30th ASEAN Summit Opens

By M. Saraswathi MANILA, April 29 (Bernama) -- The 30th Asean Summit themed, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” the first of the two leaders-level summits the Philippines will host in 2017 as part of its chairmanship, was officially opened Saturday. The theme reflects the Philippines advocacy to promote unity with and among its 10 member states and its global partners. This is the first international summit being hosted by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte after he assumed office in June 2016. The Malaysian delegation is lead by Prime Minister Najib Razak. The prime minister's delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Anifah Aman, Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan. In addition to attending the 30th ASEAN Summit, Najib will also chair the 10th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Summit, as well as, attend the 12th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area Summit to be chaired by Duterte. The Prime Minister is also expected to deliver a keynote speech at the Prosperity For All Summit, organised by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. Najib was last in Manila in 2015 to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. --BERNAMA