DFA chief tests positive for Covid-19; to skip Asean meet

FOREIGN Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo is skipping the 55th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this week after he tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“This would have been my first ASEAN engagement in my capacity as Secretary for Foreign Affairs, so it is unfortunate that my absence happens at this important time,” he said over Twitter on Monday.

However, he said the Philippines’ participation “will not be affected” as DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro would represent the country.

“I have also sent regrets to Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and this year’s AMM Chair, H.E. Prak Sokhonn,” he said.

From July 29 to August 5, Cambodia plays host to the 55th AMM as chair of Asean for 2022.

“I will concentrate on recovery so I can go back to working at DFA as soon as possible, and I look forward to the next opportunity to meet with ASEAN colleagues and our Dialogue Partners,” he said.

During the event, Asean foreign ministers and the secretary-general of Asean are seen to witness the signing of the instruments of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia by Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.