President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday said the Philippines will be “a good neighbor, a productive partner, and a consensus-builder” to neighbors in Southeast Asia.

Addressing the 43rd foundation anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Department of Foreign Affairs main office on Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, Aquino outlined his administration’s policies and objectives concerning the region and the role the Philippines intends to play during his six-year term as President.

“The Philippines, under my administration, will fulfill its international commitments without undermining and forsaking its national interests. A Philippines that is an exemplar, as well as exponent, of the rule of law – including international law – is a country attractive to investments.

A Philippines that harmonizes its national interest with its international responsibilities, is a nation that can earn, and maintain its dignity and self-respect whether on a bilateral or multilateral level,” Aquino said.

This can be achieved by making sure that the country is a predictable and consistent place for investment, he said.

“The security and well-being of Filipinos throughout the world will be best protected if our country enjoys international amity. That amity will be fostered by our ability to honor contracts and give due protection to investors. In my administration, we will be more conscious of our commitment to fostering improved ties with our ASEAN neighbors. We will be a good neighbor, a productive partner, and a consensus-builder, as we work towards our common goals,” he said.

Aquino promised that the country will do its part in realizing the ASEAN Charter.

“It is a Charter that enshrines the evolution of our respective nations into nation-states devoted to the rule of law, conscious of human rights, and that seek harmony: between different sectors and classes, and between growing our economies and nurturing our environment. Today, the ASEAN Charter is more of an aspiration rather than a reality. My administration will do its part in the long process of creating a more binding commitment to our mutual economic and political interests," Aquino said.

Coinciding with the celebration was the launching of the ASEAN Charter in Filipino which, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, affirms the importance of clearly communicating the region’s aspirations.

“The translation into Filipino of the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN's main instrument for the pursuit of our goals, affirms the immense importance of clearly communicating our purposes, our principles, our objectives to our respective peoples' national languages,” Secretary Romulo said in his welcome remarks during the ASEAN Foundation Day at the DFA.

Secretary Romulo cited the significance of President Aquino's presence during the celebration and how it ushers in a new phase of engagement with ASEAN.