AMMAN, 12 February 2025 – Philippine Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency Wilfredo C. Santos, participated in a seminar organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Amman in their capacity as the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Amman (ACA). The event, held in collaboration with the Arab Thought Forum at its office in Jubeiha, brought together key stakeholders to discuss ASEAN’s journey and future priorities.
The seminar was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, founder of the Arab Thought Forum. Also in attendance were Ambassadors and officials from ASEAN member states present in Amman such as the Embassies of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, members of the academe, and other key stakeholders.
The lecture started with the Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan, H.E. Ade Padmo Sarwono, providing an overview of ASEAN’s history and evolution. Established in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, ASEAN was founded to promote economic growth and regional stability. Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. Over the decades, ASEAN has expanded its mission to include regional peace, collaboration, academic exchange, and cooperation with international organizations.
Following this, H.E. Ambassador of Malaysia Mohamad Nasri Bin Abdul Rahman outlined Malaysia’s vision as Chair of ASEAN in 2025, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” He emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to fostering shared progress while ensuring regional peace, stability, and prosperity within a forward-looking and sustainable framework. Malaysia’s Chairship will focus on three key priorities: first, Strengthening ASEAN Centrality, through the promotion of strategic trust by sustained dialogue, diplomacy, and goodwill; second, Enhancing ASEAN Economy and Investment, to advance economic integration by leveraging scientific, technological, and digital transformation to boost trade and investment; and third, Championing Inclusivity and Sustainability, addressing development gaps, improving living standards, and mitigating climate change impacts to build a resilient ASEAN Community.
Ambassador Santos also added to the discussion and emphasized the core principles of "The ASEAN Way" as the foundation of peace, stability, and cooperation among ASEAN member states. These principles guide the region in fostering mutual respect, sovereignty, and effective collaboration. He underscored ASEAN’s commitment to Mutual Respect, Peaceful Resolution of Disputes, and Effective Cooperation in strengthening collaboration for regional progress and stability. Ambassador Santos further reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to these principles, emphasizing that ASEAN’s unity and resilience rely on a steadfast commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual cooperation, toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.
The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where the Ambassadors addressed the concerns of the guests and provided insights into ASEAN’s role and initiatives.
Joining Ambassador Santos during the seminar were Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo and Secretary to the Ambassador Elijah Ang-Encarnacion. END
