Pres. Duterte joins world leaders in state banquet hosted by Chinese Pres. Xi

The president, accompanied by his common-law partner Honeylet Avancena, arrived shortly after 6 p.m. at the Great Hall of the People. (Photo: Sweeden Velado/ PTV/ Facebook)

BEIJING–Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday evening joined 28 other world leaders attending the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in a state banquet hosted by Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping here.

The president, accompanied by his common-law partner Honeylet Avancena, arrived shortly after 6 p.m. at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi welcomed state leaders to the banquet, as he emphasized the Belt and Road Initiative “embodies yearning for peace and stability, bring countries closer together, encourage solidarity, mutual respect and trust between countries, and inspire people to work together”.

The “One Belt, One Road” Initiative will launch a series of infrastructure projects across three continents, linking Asian markets with economic circles in Europe and Africa.