Manalo also cited the emergence of new modes of cooperation, as states beyond the global superpowers are actively shaping the regional and global agenda to find solutions in light of their respective realities.
“A wave of South-South cooperation has flourished in the past decade by states of similar development tracks to address shared policy challenges,” the 72-year-old seasoned diplomat from the Philippines said.
“India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, among others, have established new development cooperation models outside the funding streams of the West,” he elaborated.
In November 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) was signed between the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and Indonesia to strengthen and enhance collaboration on payment connectivity through the development of more efficient and inclusive cross-border payments.
In April 2024, Brunei and Laos became the latest countries to join the cooperation after Vietnam joined in 2023, bringing the total number of countries to eight.
Manalo highlighted the Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative between the Philippines government and the Pacific island countries as another example of promising multilateral cooperation.
Launched in November 2024, the initiative aimed to ensure “sustainable health resources” through addressing health workforce shortages in the region.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-asia-pacific-asean-south-china-sea-donald-trump-enrique-manalo-multilateralism-4847571
