With a combined gross domestic product of more than US$3.4 trillion in 2021, Asean is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and is on track to becoming the fourth largest by 2030.
Frustration has mounted among some members of the group with Myanmar and how to handle its bloody political turmoil that has raised questions about effectiveness and unity.
On the summit’s first day on May 10, Asean adopted a road map that spelt out the steps that Timor-Leste must take so that it can gain full membership to the bloc.
“When we talk about the issues on the West Philippine Sea, [the] South China Sea, things won’t calm down until we have a code of conduct,” he told reporters.
Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. emphasized the importance of synergy and working collectively in ensuring the region’s security, peace,…
President Marcos said he was able to discuss the matter with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and told him that both governments should reach an agreement to avoid any…
PM Anwar said the situation in Myanmar remained challenging and progress towards a resolution had been slow despite the Five-Point Consensus adopted by Asean leaders more than two…
He also added that Asean must show the world that it is “able to respond effectively to geopolitical and geo-economic challenges as a cohesive force.”
Labuan Bajo is a once-quiet fishing village nestled in the westernmost part of Flores Island, in east Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara region.
He also stressed that economic integration must always remain Asean’s priority.