Zubiri calls on APPF delegates to choose “non-confrontational” approach to conflicts
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Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri called on fellow lawmakers in the Asia Pacific region to “opt for collaborative security approach” which is both “inclusive and non-confrontational” to resolve conflicts.
“We are again living in a time of relative instability. Conflicts are unfolding on multiple fronts, with aggression and intimidation taking precedence over the principles of the rule of law,” Zubiri said in his inaugural address at the opening of the 13th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) Thursday night at the Philippine International Convention Center.
APPF is a multilateral parliamentary forum between member-countries in the Asia-Pacific region, covering Southeast Asia, Oceania, Northeast Asia, and the Americas.
More than 200 parliamentarians from 19 countries in the Asia-Pacific, with the Philippines as the host country for the second time, gathered to discuss political and security issues, economic and trade matters, and regional cooperation.
These cover everything from climate action to transnational crimes, from universal health care to critical infrastructure, Zubiri said.
“I believe that humanity is once again at a turning point in history, and we need to make a critical choice. Do we decide to soar together as a one, united Asia-Pacific region? Or do we allow ourselves to spiral into distrust and disarray?” Zubiri said.
“Let us choose the better path. Let us be better neighbors. Let us opt for a collaborative security approach that is both inclusive and non-confrontational. As Parliamentarians, let’s steer our governments toward the pathway of peace,” Zubiri told lawmakers from the different countries.
With the theme “Building Resilient Partnerships: Advancing Peace, Prosperity and sustainability in the Asia Pacific,” the delegates are expected to come out with resolutions on several issues.
Aside from Philippine legislators, lawmakers from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russian Federation, Thailand, and Vietnam joined the conference.