CITING the still existing threat of terrorism, violent extremism and other transnational crimes, President Rodrigo Duterte has noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and India can work together through exchanges of each nation's best practices and information for strengthened security. Such cooperation aims to deepen the strategic partnership, particularly on public health, maritime security, digital economy, connectivity and science, technology and innovation as well as biodiversity conservation among the concerned parties. "Asean and India also stand to benefit from closer cooperation in disaster management, green recovery and smart cities. Part of having a harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the region, the President said, is acknowledging the significance of the South China Sea in global maritime activities and trade. Duterte underscored how India has been a reliable partner of Asean as the region copes with the coronavirus pandemic, citing its $1 million contribution to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund.

Source: Manila Times October 29, 2021 22:13 UTC