KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (PNA) — The Philippines is supporting Malaysia’s initiative on the global movement of moderates to counter extremism in the region, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo Malaya III said.
The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to adopt a Declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates at the end of the 26th ASEAN Summit on April 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
During an interview with Radio Television Malacañang ahead of the 26th ASEAN Summit, Ambassador Malaya underscored the importance of such initiative, saying that it could be an “antidote to religious extremism.”
“In my view, it’s important that this concept of moderation be pursued. This is an initiative, incidentally, of our host, Malaysia; and exploring this, pursuing this, could be an antidote to the religious extremism that we’re seeing,” he said.
“There have been a number of apprehensions undertaken here in this country with respect to certain nationals of theirs who have had involvements with the IS militant group,” the ambassador added.
Malaysia, chairman of this year’s ASEAN, has proposed that ASEAN leaders adopt the Declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates at the end of the summit.
Another declaration that is expected to be adopted is the Declaration on a People-Centered ASEAN.
This year’s ASEAN Summit has the theme “Our People, Our Community, Our Vision,” highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN.
President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to arrive here Sunday afternoon to participate in the 26th ASEAN Summit, with the nine other Southeast Asian leaders.
Established in August 1967, the ASEAN groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. (PNA)