(CNN Philippines, April 27) — Improvement of economic and trade ties, the youth sector, and security in the region are the focus of discussions Day 2 of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
The Preparatory Meeting for ASEAN leaders’ Interface with the Youth was held Thursday morning with keynote speaker, National Youth Commission Chair Aiza Seguerra.
Agenda for the Foreign Minister’s meeting on Friday and the Summit proper on Saturday was set earlier at the ASEAN Senior Officials preparatory meeting, which was attended by high-ranking delegates from the ASEAN member countries.
Agenda-setting for the Foreign Minister’s meeting is scheduled tomorrow and the summit proper on Saturday.
Two other Senior Officials’ Meetings, the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East-ASEAN-Growth-Area (BIMP-EAGA) meeting and Indonesia-Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle meetings, provided the venue to discuss the development of economic and trade relations between the countries.
Bilateral talks between Brunei and the Philippines kick off Thursday, after the arrival of Brunei head of state Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Read more: Brunei, PH to discuss defense, terrorism, drugs in state visit
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to arrive in Manila at 4.45 p.m. for the Summit for his State Visit, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo will fly into the country tomorrow.
Heads of all ASEAN member states are attending in the summit, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi.
A welcome dinner for the ASEAN youth delegates and foreign ministers caps the day.
Read more: What to expect at ASEAN Summit gala dinner hosted by Duterte
A total of 138 ASEAN-related meetings will convene representatives from the region, with most meetings to take place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
