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President Duterte Leaves For Cambodia, Singapore Today
PHNOM PENH WELCOME — A huge portrait of President Rodrigo Duterte goes up on a street in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Monday, a day before the Philippine leader arrives for a two-day state visit. Duterte is expected to pitch for closer regional cooperation among ASEAN countries during his visit. (AFP | Manila Bulletin)
December 13th, 2016 | 08:16 AM | 1805 views
Cambodia
If he had his way, President Duterte prefers to stay home and govern the country.
But for the sake of enhancing the country’s foreign relations with Asian neighbors, the President has confessed that he is compelled to overcome his aversion to flying to fulfill his presidential duties.
The President made the remarks as he vowed to promote regional “cohesiveness” in his state visits to Cambodia and Singapore from December 13 to 16.
“I’m leaving for Cambodia. I’ve been trying to sort out really why I have to visit these countries. Ayaw ko kung ako lang. Napipilitan lang ako because ang foreign policy natin is to get to know ‘yung ASEAN countries,” Duterte said during his Tarlac visit Sunday night.
“It would maybe someday work to — for our benefit because we have a cohesiveness at magkaisa tayo dito. The world is really a troubled one,” he added.
The President is scheduled to depart for Cambodia today for a state visit on December 13 and 14 at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, and will fly to Singapore on December 15 for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. This would be his sixth foreign travel since he assumed office last July.
Like the Philippines, Cambodia and Singapore are members of the ASEAN.
MEETING PINOYS
Duterte explained the need for intensified regional cooperation in dealing with world uncertainties, citing that Asian countries have bonded together and formed ASEAN similar to the European Union.
“Mga Europeans gusto nila mag-kampo tapos limitado tayo dito, ganon. They impose so many restrictions, making it impossible really for us to do business that’s quite good. So ang ginawa natin is tayo rin, ASEAN was born,” he said.
“Medyo kailangan ko raw na makilala sila (I need to meet and know them) and maybe to return the visits that was made many years ago,” the President added.
The President is scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Phnom Penh Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, the President will be given a red-carpet welcome at the Royal Palace, shortly before his audience with Norodom Sihamoni.
After his royal audience with the King, the President is scheduled to hold a tete-a-tete with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace. An expanded bilateral meeting will be held afterwards.
BILATERAL CONCERNS
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said the two leaders 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.
The two leaders are also expected to witness the signing of cooperation agreements between the Philippines and Cambodia.
President Duterte will cap his overnight visit to Cambodia with a royal banquet hosted by the King at the Royal Palace.
Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN
by Genalyn D. Kabiling
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