2017/11, 22 February 2017
The annual ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat held in Boracay on 21 February provided a timely platform to discuss ASEAN’s priorities and challenges as the grouping embraces its 50th anniversary this year.
The theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World” was aptly chosen by the Philippines for its chairmanship year, indicating ASEAN’s perseverance in its outward-looking approach amidst rising uncertainty and anxiety over the US’ commitment and engagement in Asia under President Donald Trump. As the region awaits the Trump Administration to sketch out its Asia strategy, ASEAN Foreign Ministers should seek an early interface with their American counterpart to register the voices from Southeast Asia.
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“ASEAN Foreign Ministers Set for a Tough Year Ahead”, a Commentary by Hoang Thi Ha