Duterte supports efforts to improve Korean Peninsula relations

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his opening remarks during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit plenary at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on November 13, 2017, declares that the plenary session will be the avenue for them to continue their discussions on how to further consolidate their efforts and shared aspirations toward an ASEAN Community that is rules-based, people-oriented, and people-centered. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA— President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday expressed support for initiatives to improve territorial relations to establish permanent and lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that this was among the highlights brought up by Duterte during 12th East Asia Summit (EAS) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Roque also said that Duterte likewise expressed grave concern on the situation in the Korean Peninsula saying it is “a major flashpoint in the region.”

He urged North Korea to immediately comply with its obligations under all relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions.

Pyongyang previously hinted that it might test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean.

The EAS, established in 2005, plays an important part in the strategic, economic, and geopolitical development of East Asia.

This year’s EAS covered matters of regional and global interest, including maritime security, terrorism, migration issues, among others.

Duterte, meanwhile, concluded the meeting by thanking participating states for their active participation in making the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit a success.