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By APD writer Melo M.Acuna
MANILA. Oct. 11(APD) – President Rodrigo Duterte arrived Bali, Indonesia at 9:09 P.M. Wednesday to join his counterparts for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Gathering scheduled to begin this afternoon.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, Mr. Duterte is expected to highlight the importance of maintaining sustainable economic growth in the region.
President Duterte, accompanied by a lean delegation, on board a private jet arrived at Denpasar International Airport Wednesday night.
He was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Tan Wee, Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to ASEAN Elizabeth Buensuceso, Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Indonesian Ambassador to Manila Sinyo Harry Sarundajang.
Among his companions were Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go.
The one-day meeting is a special event that draws leaders form 10 ASEAN member states as well as multilateral and international organizations.
President Duterte is expected to address the meeting and highlight the need to sustain inclusive growth and development through stronger regional and global cooperation and greater security and stability.
At the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering, President Duterte will meet with ASEAN leaders to talk about bilateral issues of mutual importance.
According to the Malacanang statement, the Philippines remains committed to actively participate and support ASEAN and ASEAN-centered efforts in order to pursue greater peace, progress and prosperity for the Southeast Asian region.
The leaders will also attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering dinner. He will return to the Philippines after dinner and expected to report to the nation the results of his participation at the gathering upon his arrival in Davao City.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
