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PH Expresses Support for Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, Conveys Position on Key Issues at FM Retreat

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Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (2nd from left) joins the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat in Jakarta, Indonesia. They were joined by the new ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Adaljiza Xavier Reis Magno (1st and 2nd from right). (ASEAN Secretariat photo)

JAKARTA 08 February 2023 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo expressed the Philippines' support for Indonesia’s priorities as the 2023 ASEAN Chair during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on 08 February 2023.

The theme of Indonesia Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023, "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, emphasizes the importance of ASEAN’s centrality and unity in responding to regional and global challenges, as well as ASEAN’s role in driving the region’s economic growth.

During an exchange of views, Secretary Manalo reiterated the Philippines’ call for the complete and speedy implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar. He also expressed the Philippines’ support to the Chair in developing an implementation plan for the Five-Point Consensus.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also met at the 32nd ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting on 03 February 2023. During the meeting, Secretary Manalo supported the adoption of guidelines for Timor-Leste’s observer status in ASEAN, as well as the development of a roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN.

In view of the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to prepare for future public health emergencies, the ACC also agreed to enable the procurement of monkeypox and other vaccines using the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund (CARF).

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Adaljiza Xavier Reis Magno, attended the meetings as an observer. This is the first time that Timor-Leste has participated in ASEAN meetings since the ASEAN Leaders agreed, in principle, to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in November 2022.

The meetings were the first for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in 2023. These were also the first Minister-level meetings attended by the new ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. END

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DFA Secretary Manalo at the AMM Retreat. (ASEAN Secretariat photo)