Fight vs terror, violence on Asean ministers’ agenda
The foreign ministers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are expected to draft a joint statement on countering terrorism and violent extremism, at a time this year’s host the Philippines is battling the Islamic State–inspired Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
In a press briefing at Malacañang on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said countering terrorism and violent extremism is “high on the agenda” of the Asean foreign ministers who will be meeting in Manila from August 2 to 8.
Asked if the Asean foreign ministers and other foreign ministers from participating countries will make a consensus, Bolivar said a joint statement on terrorism and violent extremism is “in the works,” although he declined to provide more details.
Bolivar made the statement as the Philippines hosts this year’s Asean foreign ministers’ meetings and other related meetings, even as government troops are still battling Maute terrorists in Marawi City in Mindanao, which is placed under an extended martial law until the end of the year.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will lead the 50th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, the 18th Asean Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (with Japan, China and Korea), the 7th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 24th Asean Regional Forum (ARF) .
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