Duterte ‘confident’ ASEAN can prevail over Covid-19: ‘We are no stranger to difficult times’

By Prince Golez

In his message for the 54th founding anniversary of the ASEAN, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that the regional bloc will “continue to rise” in spite of the uncertainty created by Covid-19.

“Notwithstanding the difficulties we face as the Covid-19 pandemic enters its second year, I am confident that ASEAN will prevail as it has done so many times in the past,” Duterte said in a statement Sunday.

“ASEAN will continue to rise to present challenges and lead the region with renewed sense of purpose and an even firmer commitment to the ideals of peace, freedom and prosperity,” he added.

The Chief Executive also encouraged member states to reflect how far ASEAN has come and to foster collective action.

“We in ASEAN are no stranger to difficult times that test our capacity to act together and surmount challenges. But our enduring bonds of amity and solidarity have always pulled us through,” said Duterte.

“As we celebrate our collective achievements and reflect on how far we have come as one community, may we always remember and value how much stronger we are together than on our own,” he also said.

The ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967 by five founding members, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

The post Duterte ‘confident’ ASEAN can prevail over Covid-19: ‘We are no stranger to difficult times’ first appeared on .

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