NONTHABURI, Thailand – President Duterte is expected to promote “responsible partnerships” and “meaningful cooperation” with the country’s neighbors during a regional summit here.
The President arrived in Thailand Friday night and will seek closer regional cooperation towards growth, peace, and stability in the region at the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and related summits this weekend.
The proposed Code of Conduct in South China Sea, a free trade deal involving 16 Asia-Pacific nations, marine pollution, and security concerns are expected to take center stage during the talks of the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners.
“This year’s theme, ‘Advancing Partnership for Sustainability,’ is a subject matter close to President Duterte as he himself believes in – and has publicly articulated in numerous occasions the importance of – promoting respectful friendships and responsible partnerships, as well as meaningful cooperation, to realize his vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development for the Philippines,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
Malacanang had earlier said the President will advance the “ASEAN’s community-building agenda aimed at ensuring greater peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific” during the regional summit.
The regional leaders are also expected to explore ways to further promote inclusive and sustainable development and address the challenges posed by climate change, marine pollution, and other environmental issues.
Trade tensions, geopolitical shifts, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution will also be tackled by the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners. The developments in the South China Sea and security concerns such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes will likewise be addressed during the regional’s summit.
Based on his tentative schedule, the President is expected to attend several summits in Thailand, starting with the ASEAN summit plenary session at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center yesterday.
Today, Duterte is slated to join other leaders for the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit and related summits, followed by the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit, the 16th ASEAN-India Summit, the 10th ASEAN-United Nations Summit.
Tomorrow, he will participate in the 22nd ASEAN plus Three Summit, the 7th ASEAN-United States Summit, the 14th East Asia Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, and the third Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit.
The President may also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan on the sidelines of the summit tomorrow.
He is expected to fly back to the country tomorrow evening. (Genalyn Kabiling)
