Philippines Praised for Successful Chairmanship of Asia Pacific Group as It Turns Over Reins to Viet Nam
Outgoing Chair, Philippine Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas, formally turns over the chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Group to Viet Nam’s Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang during the turnover ceremony held at the Vienna Vienna International Centre on 19 December 2024
VIENNA 26 December 2024 – The Philippines concluded its six-month tenure as Chair of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) during a turnover ceremony in Vienna, officially passing the chairmanship to fellow ASEAN member Viet Nam on 19 December 2024. During its chairmanship, the Philippines championed the Asia-Pacific region’s voice in key international organizations based in Vienna, representing 54 member states.
Representatives from Palestine, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Lebanon, Iran, and India expressed their gratitude to the outgoing Philippine Chair, particularly in successfully enhancing the group’s visibility and influence within the international organizations in Vienna, and ensuring high-level participation and representation in expert group and annual meetings.
In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas emphasized the importance of the group’s representation in fostering impactful collaboration on global issues, ranging from economic development and science to combatting transnational crime. Ambassador Bernas also expressed her confidence in Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang of Viet Nam, assuring him of the Philippines’ full cooperation as he takes the helm of the APG.
Incoming Chair Ambassador Vu commended the Philippines' exemplary leadership and reaffirmed Viet Nam’s commitment to advancing the collective aspirations of the Asia-Pacific Group and assured the group of its commitment in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Chair. "As Viet Nam assumes the role of coordinator, we look forward to your collaboration in ensuring that the APG perspective is fully reflected in the normative works of various international organizations in Vienna…Viet Nam is committed to advancing the collective aspirations of the Asia Pacific Group, in the spirit of unity and solidarity.”
Philippine Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas delivers her final remarks as Chair of the Asia-Pacific Group during the turnover ceremony
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang of Viet Nam delivers his remarks as the new Chair of the Asia-Pacific Group during the turnover ceremony
Delegates from member states gather to witness the turnover of the Asia-Pacific Group Chairmanship from the Philippines to Viet Nam during a ceremony held at the Vienna International Centre on 19 December 2024
Representatives from various member states convey their support for the incoming Viet Nam Chairmanship and express gratitude to the Philippines for its leadership during the Asia-Pacific Group Chairmanship turnover ceremony
For more information, visit https://www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.at or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustria, or https://www.instagram.com/phinaustria/.