Arroyo proceeds to Dubai after Asean's aborted summit

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo left for Dubai on Saturday after she and fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) leaders were safely evacuated from the venue of the summit which was stormed by protesters, a senior official said.

"She remained calm and collected all throughout (the incident in Bangkok). We are proceeding to Dubai ahead of schedule," Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a statement from Bangkok which was sent to the presidential palace late on Saturday.

Earlier, before Arroyo left Manila for Bangkok on Friday, Arroyo said she will proceed Dubai (after the Asean summits) "to promote the interests of our expatriate workers there".

Sought-after workers

"The economy has been particularly difficult in Dubai but Philippine workers are still the most sought-after workers in the UAE '" said Arroyo, adding, "I will be going there to champion our workers before the government and those firms that are hiring workers in Dubai."

Arroyo said her trip to Dubai is the start of her "global engagement" with countries that are hosting overseas Filipino workers, adding, "It has been an essential component of what has kept the Philippines from getting pulled under the raging economic waves sweeping most countries."

"Central to keeping our economy moving is keeping our workers employed at home and abroad," Arroyo explained, adding that "good jobs and good wages (for our workers)" will allow the Philippine government to fulfil its mission to uphold the health, security, and safety of all Filipinos.

Earlier, Arroyo's plan was to hear Easter Mass in Thailand before proceeding to Dubai on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, despite the abrupt ending of the Asean summit in Pattaya, Thailand, the Asean leaders have accomplished their mission, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

"Much has been accomplished despite the non-completion of the Asean Summit and other related summits," said Romulo in a statement.

Asean Equity Fund

Asean leaders have agreed in principle that Asean member countries will contribute a total of $24 billion to the $120 billion Asean Equity Fund, said Romulo, adding that additional $24 billion will be shared by from South Korea, and $72 billion from Japan and China.

Asean members also agreed to establish the Asean political security community, said Romulo, adding that cooperation among defense and armed forces establishments of Asean member countries have contributed to the region's stability.

The first Asean defense ministers' meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2006.

Asean member countries also agreed to initially convene the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR), said Romulo.