The postponement of the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit does not represent a setback for progress in the agenda of the regional bloc, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Saturday.

The postponement of the summit, announced on Friday and which the government attributed to typhoon "Seniang" (international code name: Utor), was the "consensus" of ASEAN leaders, Arroyo was quoted by Inquirer news network as saying.

Nevertheless, the President said, "there is a strong impetus to return to the summit at the soonest possible time."

Summit organizers Friday said the event had been rescheduled to January, 2007.

"The Philippines gives its firm assurance that there has been no set back in the progress of the ASEAN agenda and process," Arroyo said, adding "all the leaders are geared to speed up regional economic integration and to forge a strong stance for regional peace and security, backed by detailed roadmaps and action plans."

Arroyo also thanked the ASEAN leaders for their understanding the situation, and said that she hoped the summit could be resumed in January next year "under clearer skies."

The Philippines is now the yearly chairman country of ASEAN and the host of the 12th ASEAN Summit.

Source: Xinhua