(VNA) - Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario has voiced his faith in the new ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh, who succeeded Surin Pitsuwan on January 1.

In a statement issued on January 2, Rosario stressed that the change comes at a time when ASEAN is facing numerous challenges.

Rosario said he believes that, with his extensive professional experience and expertise, the new Secretary General, will be able to address the challenges as the 10 member countries work together to establish a community which is politically cohesive, economically integrated, and socially responsible.