11 April 2005, Cebu, Philippines – The Foreign Ministers of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met today to discuss concrete policies, programs and cooperative endeavors in the face of regional challenges and to ensure that ASEAN remains a major player in East Asia.

The Philippines hosted the annual retreat of the ASEAN Ministers for the first time at the Shangri La’s Mactan Island Resort in Cebu.  Ten Foreign Ministers, including Secretary Romulo, the ASEAN Secretary General and around 40 senior government officials from the ASEAN member-states came together here in Cebu to attend the Ministers’ Retreat, which also discussed, among others, policy and administrative matters, the upcoming East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the proposed ASEAN Charter, enlargement of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and streamlining of future ASEAN meetings.

“Almost 40 years of ASEAN’s existence have taught us that complex regional challenges demand a collective and united response. We are committed to strengthen our political, economic and security cooperation to contribute to regional peace, development and stability and to help in building a greater and lasting sense of community,” Secretary Romulo said.

At the 10th ASEAN Summit in Laos, the ASEAN Leaders agreed on community building by implementing the three main pillars of the ASEAN Community: the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

The Vientiane Action Program (VAP), ASEAN’s roadmap until 2010, laid out the strategy to achieve regional integration and narrow the development gaps in the region.

Secretary Romulo said that the VAP and the succeeding Plans of Action would be the building blocks towards the realization of the ASEAN Community.

“The Philippines is vigorously pursuing interests and actively participating in ASEAN and in molding the future of regional cooperation and integration.  As a member of ASEAN, one of the pillars of our foreign policy is our commitment to the achievement of ASEAN’s goals.  Our Retreat discussions looked into ways to further strengthen ASEAN and regional cooperation, particularly at this critical time, when challenges have to be met and opportunities have to be taken,” he said.

“We can not dispute the fact that recent history has underscored the value of building bridges instead of fences. However, a strong bridge needs to be supported by concrete foundations. In shaping the future course of our region, it is important that ASEAN remain focused and united in pursuing its objectives,” the Secretary said. END.