ASEAN must 'speak with one voice' for peace, prosperity—DFA chief

Manila Bulletin

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must “speak with one voice” to address the challenges of the region and achieve peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Tuesday, Aug. 19. (via Raymund Antonio | MB)  READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/19/asean-must-speak-with-one-voice-for-peace-prosperitylazaro  Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5664f6TkaeHgwBly50DWZQ/join  Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin   Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin  #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

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00:00and mutual respect.

00:01While our region is a tapestry of different languages, cultures, and political systems,

00:07we view these differences as a source of strength.

00:11Enriching our discussions and decision-making, we give each other an equal voice.

00:16We continue to foster a people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN community

00:21that keeps the well-being of our almost 700 million citizens at the heart of every endeavor.

00:28And finally, ASEAN unity is instrictly linked with ASEAN centrality

00:34for ASEAN's mechanisms to remain at the core of regional peace, security, and prosperity.

00:42ASEAN must speak with one voice.

00:45As we interface with various partners and shareholders,

00:50this single voice will allow us to continue pushing for our region's best interests

00:56by shaping the regional agenda with firm leadership and credibility.

01:01Today, ASEAN remains among the world's most peaceful and stable regions,

01:06characterized by economic dynamism and rapid growth.

01:10Our commitment to regional integration, connectivity, and sustainability

01:14has made us a hub of trade, innovation, and opportunity.

01:19This prosperity is not the achievement of one nation alone.

01:23It is the collective process of a united ASEAN.

01:27Since its launch in 2015, the ASEAN economic community has fostered trade and investment,

01:33empowered businesses, narrowed development gaps,

01:37and enabled the seamless movement of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labor.

01:45With a combined GDP of 3.6 trillion U.S. dollars,

01:50ASEAN is the world's fifth-largest economy

01:53and is projected to become the fourth-largest by 2030.

01:57As we celebrate ASEAN's 58th anniversary,

02:01let us look back with pride at how far we have gone

02:05and look forward with determination to what we can still achieve.

02:09May we continue to strengthen our unity through solidarity, inclusivity, cooperation, and mutual respect.

02:19And together with our international partners,

02:23and most of you who are here, our dialogue partners,

02:26may we drive prosperity that is robust in peace, stability, and shared progress for all.

02:32Maraming salamat at pabuhay ang ASEAN.

02:39Maraming salamat at pabuhay ang ASEAN.

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