MANILA, Nov 28 (NNN-PNA) – Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, called for stronger partnership at the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, saying, enhanced multilateral actions are needed to ensure an “inclusive socio-economic recovery” from COVID-19. pandemic.
Duterte said, COVID-19, coupled with the worsening effect of climate change, has reversed the gains on economic growth and poverty reduction.
“We need more multilateral action to address these constraints. Our ultimate goal is to speed up more economic exchanges and people mobility in the new normal,” Duterte said.
Duterte also stressed the need for a framework on vaccine certificate negotiation that is scientific, non-discriminatory, to facilitate safe cross-border travel. “All the recognised vaccines work. Geopolitics should not pick and choose,” he added.
The 13th ASEM Summit was hosted by Cambodia on Thursday and Friday, via video link. ASEM comprised of 53 partners, including 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the European Union.– NNN-PNA
