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Abe vows 'maximum support' for PHL's hosting of ASEAN 2017 meetings

MANILA, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised on Thursday to provide maximum support to make East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-related meetings ‘a tremendous success’ this year.

Abe made the assurance in a joint statement with President Rodrigo Duterte after the summit meeting held at the Malacanang Palace shortly after the Japanese leader arrived for a two-day official visit in the Philippines.

"We support the ASEAN in its attempt to strengthen unity and centrality and to develop as a free and open community," Abe said.

"From such a perspective, we will provide maximum support to make the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-Related Meetings a tremendous success," he added.

The East Asia Summit (EAS) meetings are held after the annual ASEAN Leaders’ Meetings which the Philippines will host this year.

The Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017 coincides with the celebration of 50th anniversary of the 10-nation ASEAN.

ASEAN countries include the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, Myanmar, Singapore, Cambodia and last year’s ASEAN Summit host Laos.

Aside from ASEAN countries, EAS members are Japan, Australia, China, India, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and United States.

During the summit meeting, Abe and President Duterte agreed to cooperate “hand-in-hand for the stability and prosperity of the region.”

Last Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said the ASEAN 2017 will serve as perfect occasion to promote the Philippines.

Andanar said over 100 summits and conferences will be held nationwide including the ASEAN Ministers meeting in April; ASEAN Head of States Summit in August; and the ASEAN Head of States Plus Three in November.

Andanar said at least PHP15.9 billion will be spent for the hosting of the ASEAN Summit 2017.

The kick-off event of the ASEAN 2017 will be held on January 15 at the SMX event center in Davao City where delegates from ASEAN member countries will attend. (PNA)

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