President Duterte is set to embark on state visits to Cambodia and Singapore next week to enhance bilateral and economic relations as well as promote the protection of Filipino migrant workers.
The President will first visit Cambodia on December 13 to 14 then travel to Singapore on December 15 and 16 as part of his introductory tour to neighboring Asian nations, according to Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose.
In Cambodia, the President is scheduled to have a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace followed by a state banquet. Duterte’s visit was upon the invitation of the Cambodian King, according to Jose.
A bilateral meeting between the President and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has also been arranged. “They are expected to discuss issues of mutual concern, including defense and security relations, bilateral trade, protection of Filipino-Cambodian migrant workers, and cultural and tourism cooperation, among other things,” Jose said.
Jose said the South China Sea issue could be raised in the President’s talks with the Cambodian Prime Minister “maybe under the ambit of regional defense and security issue.” He said the President is expected to affirm his resolve for a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
