MANILA -- Leaders from the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its dialogue countries met here Tuesday to discuss the "complex challenges" facing the region and chart the course for future development.
In his opening remarks, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who chaired the 12th East Asia Summit (EAS) forum, stressed the need to assess especially the evolving security situation in the region. (Philippines-East Asia Summit)
- - - -
MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday that his country remained committed to building a strong and resilient Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Duterte, whose country is the chair of ASEAN this year, handed over the chairmanship of ASEAN for 2018 to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (Philippines-ASEAN)
- - - -
MANILA -- Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong confirmed Tuesday night that the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, Lim Jock Hoi, has been appointed as the next secretary-general of ASEAN.
The Bruneian diplomat will take his new role in next January, replacing current the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chief Le Luong Minh of Vietnam. Minh is wrapping up his five-year term at the end of this year. (Philippines-Singapore-ASEAN Secretary-general)
- - - -
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must step up its efforts in doubling intra-ASEAN trade by 2025 and to conclude negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as soon as possible, Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said.
According to local media on Tuesday, the Sultan made the remarks when delivering a speech during the Plenary Session of the 31st ASEAN summit and related meetings in the Philippines. (Brunei-ASEAN-RCEP) Enditem
