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PHL takes over chairmanship of Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN
By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The Philippines took over the chairmanship of Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) as the country will host next year’s summit.

Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso received the CPR chairmanship from her counterpart in Lao PDR, Ambassador Latsamy Keomany.

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh.

Under the ASEAN Charter, the CPR shall support the work of ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies; coordinate with ASEAN National Secretariats and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies; liaise with the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat on all subjects relevant to its work; facilitate ASEAN cooperation with external partners; and perform such other functions as may be determined by the ASEAN Coordinating Council.

As the new chair of CPR, Buensuceso assured to continue the work and gains made by her predecessors in CPR.

She likewise highlighted the country’s theme for next year’s chairmanship, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”.

The Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN Summit 2017 will be a historical event as the economic bloc will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

ASEAN will also mark anniversaries of dialogue ties with the United States, Canada, European Union, and India, as well as the ASEAN Plus Three -- China, Japan, and South Korea. (PNA)