In the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity, the Philippines understands and fully supports the decision of Myanmar to relinquish its turn to be the Chair.

    The Philippines fully supports all sincere and meaningful efforts at democratic reform in Myanmar.

     The Philippines also joined in the consensus in ASEAN that once Myanmar is ready to take its turn to be the ASEAN Chair, it can do so.

     The Philippines is prepared to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN after the term of Malaysia in 2006.

     With the close cooperation of the other ASEAN members, I am confident in the success of our Chairmanship of ASEAN.

    We have a good team in the Department of Foreign Affairs, whose members are well versed in the substance and processes of ASEAN.  I am also confident in the support of the other agencies of the Philippine government for our Chairmanship of ASEAN.

    We look forward to working with the other members of ASEAN, our dialogue partners and all those involved in the ASEAN process.  In chairing ASEAN at a time when efforts continue to be made to build an ASEAN Community, craft an ASEAN Charter, and secure a central role for ASEAN in the future of regionalization in East Asia, we hope to make our own contribution to the prosperity, stability and security of our region and in advancing the interests of all the members of ASEAN. END