BORACAY – Delegates attending the Foreign Ministers Retreat of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit have started arriving in this world-renowned resort island.
Undersecretary Charles Jose of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said during a press conference that the Philippines as a host will serve as a presiding officer of the Tuesday retreat with DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. as chairperson.
Jose enumerated that illegal drugs, sea disputes with China and human trafficking are among the challenges faced by ASEAN member states.
Aside from the Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, Boracay Island also hosted the ASEAN meetings for Committee of Permanent Representatives last February 19 and Senior Officers Meeting last February 20. (Jun N. Aguirre)