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By APD writer Melo M. Acuna
**MANILA, Aug. 5 (APD) ** – Aside from ASEAN’s economic concerns, the coming ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) should be able to focus on security concerns.
This was how former Ambassador and Congressman Jose Apolinario L. Lozada looks at the coming AMM scheduled to begin Saturday morning at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
“This meeting will lay down the ground work for better dialogue between ASEAN and China along with other partners including the United States of America, Russia, Japan and even India,” Mr. Lozada said in an interview at the International Media Center late Friday afternoon.
He said ASEAN and its dialogue partners cannot just concentrate on the issues surrounding the South China Sea because the ten-member countries should agree on how to proceed with discussions with the Chinese on the Code of Conduct.
He looks forward to more substantive meetings between and among countries which use the sealanes and waterways in the region.
He added he does not see difficult discussions in this meeting but will have to “wait” for future meetings through the Code of Conduct and for ASEAN to establish relations the best possible way with China.
“We have no choice but talk and help each other because the resources are blessings for China, the Philippines and ASEAN which could be shared by everybody,” he further explained.
Mr. Lozada said the presence of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is an opportune time to listen to their plans and programs which brought serious concern not only for ASEAN but other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
He added this occasion would provide everyone to engage the North Koreans on their views on regional security and stability.
He also downplayed the request of the United States of America to downgrade relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Asked of the possibility of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Regional Forum would release a stronger statement against the continuous nuclear tests conducted by DPRK, Mr. Lozada said he looks forward to the region’s reiteration of its position on the peaceful utilization of nuclear technology.
“They should leave us (in the region) to discuss means to co-exist with the North Koreans,” Mr. Lozada explained.
Another important issue that should be discussed is the threat of violent extremism which has already showed itself in Marawi City.
Firefight between the local terrorists alligned with the Middle Eastern-bases ISIS and Filipino troopers has entered into its 73rd day today.
The former ambassador said the Chinese government’s “Belt and Road Initiative” will not be discussed during the AMM but would be given priority during the bilateral meetings between ASEAN countries and China. He believes every Asian country has its own economic agenda they need to discuss with China.
He called for an ASEAN approach to terrorism because the threat has been felt not only in the Philippines but in other Asian countries as well.
Mr. Lozada added the region would need China’s and Japan’s assistance to nip in the bud the threats brought about by terrorists.
Mr. Lozada said ASEAN need not be a tool by superpowers against DPRK.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
