PHL Ambassador Highlights Achievements of PH ASEAN Chairmanship at a Lecture in Top Russian University
14 December 2017 MOSCOW — Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta delivered a lecture on the “Achievements of the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN” at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) University on December 07.
It was attended by students and professors from MGIMO University and Moscow State University.
The lecture was organized by the Students Society for South East Asian Studies in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre. This was part of the “ASEAN Week in MGIMO” in commemoration of the 50thanniversary of the regional grouping.
Amb. Sorreta stated that “it was a great privilege for the Philippines to lead ASEAN on a milestone year. Established in 1967, ASEAN has brought peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region and succeeded in creating platforms for strategic dialogue and cooperation with it at the driver’s seat. This a major achievement given the region’s diversity and the challenges that come with it.”
He further underscored that under the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, the Philippines pushed for an ASEAN that works for the betterment of the lives of ASEAN citizens, while remaining outward looking.
“There is recognition of the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s legitimacy in the eyes of its people, without which ASEAN will not have the internal cohesion to credibly perform the role of a global player,” Ambassador Sorreta added.
During the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held in Manila last month, ASEAN Leaders signed the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. They also adopted 6 other documents under 5 priority areas - peace and stability in the region, maritime security and cooperation, inclusive and innovation-led growth, ASEAN resiliency, and ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player.
Other activities in the “ASEAN Week in MGIMO” were dialogue sessions between experts and students, business lectures, screening of Southeast Asian Films, cultural performances, and a photo exhibit titled “With Love from Southeast Asia.” END
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph.
H.E. Carlos D. Sorreta, Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation, poses with the professors and students from MGIMO University and Moscow State University after his lecture on the accomplishments of the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN.