Duterte renews call for increased global cooperation against Covid-19

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday reiterated his call for greater global cooperation in light of an ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“First, we are only as strong as our weakest link as a country and as a region, and as one global community. This is why we need greater solidarity for collective, coordinated, and comprehensive responses. Inward-looking policies will lead us nowhere,” Duterte said during his speech at the Nikkei Future of Asia Conference.

The country’s chief executive said the Philippines supports all avenues for increased production of Covid-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.

He thanked Japan and other partners in the COVAX facility, whose vaccine equity scheme has benefitted many developing countries, including the Philippines.

Collective international action can only complement national responses which should be people-centered and holistic, according to him.

In his remarks, Duterte also highlighted his administration’s thrusts to achieve inclusive and sustainable recovery, particularly ensuring universal health coverage, strengthening the public health system, enhancing food security, reinforcing the digital economy, and maximizing connectivity in the country.

The President likewise reaffirmed his government’s support for a free and rules-based multilateral trading system, noting how the pandemic reinforces de-globalization trends.

“The key to recovery and shared prosperity remains the free movement of goods, capital and services, as well as the harnessing of valuable human resources. Despite the pandemic, opportunities for growth remain,” he said.

The Filipino leader highlighted the Philippines’ positive demographic profile and economic reform initiatives such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act that make the country more competitive in an open and fair global economy.

Meanwhile, Duterte once again raised alarm over the heightened geopolitical competition among the big powers that adds a layer of complexity to regional security issues.

He urged the great powers to “resist the temptation to pursue interests at the expense of smaller countries, in plain defiance of international law.”

The President went on to say that “If Asia is to serve as an engine of global recovery, we all have to act responsibly within a system of norms, commitments, and obligations. We have to resolve our disputes peacefully according to international law. We have to work together – not against each other – to achieve common ends.”

Duterte joined leaders from Japan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, and other heads of international organizations in the lineup of speakers for this year’s Nikkei Conference.

The annual Nikkei Conference is organized by the Nikkei Inc., the largest economic newspaper in Japan and the largest news group in Asia.

It gathers together government leaders and business executives from all over the Asia Pacific to discuss current political and economic trends and issues.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)