ASEAN foundation (43rd anniversary)

During the first SONA of PNOY he did not mention anything concerning about the countries relationship with the international world. This was only until the 43rd anniversary of the foundation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) where the Philippines is one if the founding members.

ASEAN allows all the countries under it to interact with each other and create a good relationship that leads to a brighter future. Aside from ASEAN, there are also lots of other countries with whom the country has strong relationships because they make a big difference in the improvement of the country. US is the most valued relationship with the country considers, another is China, Japan, OIC and other international organizations and countries there are. The country values bilateral relations with China and Japan because these are the two countries who are most powerful in the Asian region and all other political reasons. Another is the OIC(organization of Islamic countries) because we have to consider that we have Muslim brothers and sisters in the country and since there are also Filipino citizens in Islamic countries, our relationship with the OIC will help in safeguarding the lives of and assuring the safety of Filipinos in Islamic countries. Also the OIC can help us in solving domestic issues and will strengthen & broaden mutually supportive arrangements to advance reconciliation & secure abiding prosperity in the country.

There is a great need for us to take good care of our relationships with other country. Although we should not forget our sovereignty when it comes to this, still we need to keep in mind that good governance requires a measure of sacrifice of sovereignty to achieve cooperation and prosperity not only to the country but around the world.