The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines issued a statement on 1 March on the occasion of ASEM Day.

“The Philippines joins all ASEM Partners from Asia and Europe in celebrating the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Day on 01 March 2022. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the forum.

The Philippines, as a founding member of ASEM, attaches great importance to this multilateral platform. Within the ASEM framework, the Philippines continues to work on projects related to disaster management and mitigation, renewable energy, higher education and people-to-people exchanges. Human rights, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also high in the Philippine agenda in ASEM.

During the 13th ASEM Summit held on 25-26 November 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called on ASEM Partners to work together for inclusive COVID-19 recovery and climate action guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.

From its establishment in 1996, ASEM composed of 53 partners from Asia and Europe, has become the most comprehensive informal dialogue between Asia and Europe. The ASEM dialogue addresses political, economic, and socio-cultural issues, aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two regions in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership.

In line with the Philippines’ commitment to ASEM, President Duterte declared 01 March 2017 and every year thereafter as ASEM Day. END”

To read the original statement click here.