Secretary Blas F. Ople gave an intervention on the topic “New International Situation,” during the exchange of views between Asian and European Ministers on regional and international issues of common concern at the 5th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia on 24 July 2003.

In his intervention Ople mentioned the key challenges facing the region, such as Myanmar.  He also promoted the Philippines’ current initiatives in ASEM, which seek to enhance Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation in the protection of the marine environment, maritime security and information technology.

“The evolving international situation is a cause for both hope and anxiety,” said Ople.

“Threats to our peace, security and stability continue to remain.  But we are hopeful, for international cooperation in dealing with security threats has never been greater.

“We are hopeful because in Southeast Asia we are now talking about an ASEAN Security Community, a timely suggestion of Indonesia, and one that we support in principle.  We look forward to actively participating in helping shape this concept.

“We are hopeful because ASEAN has reached new levels of political cooperation and advocacy.   Myanmar is more than just an issue.  Myanmar is our member and our responsibility.  ASEAN will pursue its advocacy and will see that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is freed and genuine progress is achieved through democratic reform and reconciliation.

“Myanmar’s envoys have been making their rounds and have been visiting us in our capitals.  We hope to reciprocate this gesture with our own: a visit to Myanmar by a group of ASEAN Ministers led by Indonesia.  When we visit, we would like to meet with Daw Suu Kyi and we would like to meet her not as a prisoner.

“We are hopeful because we foresee our political and economic cooperation with Europe bearing fruit.  We see trade and investments increasing between our regions, leading to greater exchanges and movements of goods and services.  With this, the use of the air and ocean paths that lead to all our doorsteps will experience renewed growth.

“But this progress must not come at the expense of our ocean environment.  It is for this reason that the Philippines and Portugal have launched an Oceans initiative in ASEM.

“Finally, cooperation between our regions will be greatly enhanced if we can deal with relevant information in real time. We are ready to host and manage the ASEM Virtual Secretariat website which will help streamline the management of the ASEM process.”

Chris Patten, the European Commission’s External Relations Commissioner, during the plenary session talked about the need to improve the management of the ASEM process, in order to make it more meaningful and substantive for both Asia and Europe. He stated “the initiative of the Philippines for an ASEM Virtual Secretariat is an excellent initiative” which will improve information exchange between ASEM members and provide a permanent view of ASEM’s activities on the internet for both governments and the public.  The EC has been one of the Philippines’ avid supporters for the creation of an interactive and comprehensive website on ASEM.

Likewise, the delegation of Denmark acknowledged and supported the Philippines’ advocacy stance on Myanmar, praising the efforts of the Philippines to work for a more active ASEAN role in engaging Myanmar and inducing the authorities there to proceed with the process of democratisation, reform and national reconciliation.

The Minister of State of Germany, Ms. Kirsten Muller, welcomed the attainment of a ceasefire between the government of the Philippines and the MILF as a major achievement and also cited Malaysia’s helpful role as facilitator in the negotiations.

The Foreign Ministers of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) meet once a year to discuss common approaches to global challenges.  ASEM is composed of the 15 EU member states (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom) the European Commission, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.