NONTHANBURI, Thailand — President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who will fly to Bangkok, Thailand Friday, will attend at least nine events during the three-day 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits which start on Saturday.
In a statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President will attend the ASEAN Plenary Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit, the 16th ASEAN-India Summit, the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit, the 22nd ASEAN plus Three Summit, the 7th ASEAN – US Summit, the 14th East Asia Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, and the 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.
“The Palace looks forward to the President’s participation on the above-mentioned summits aimed to further enhance economic growth within a peaceful environment, and regional and global stability in the years to come,” he said.
Panelo explained that “the delegation meanwhile is excited to witness the President make our country and citizenry proud once again as he discusses his views and shares his insights on pressing matters that will be tackled in the summits.”
He said Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea has been designated as Officer-in-Charge while the President is abroad.
He, however, stressed that “the Chief Executive remains on top of the situation monitoring the situation in the Philippines, especially the earthquake-hit areas of Mindanao.”
Earlier, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West said the President will be joined by the Secretaries of Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs and Social Welfare and Development as well as Cabinet members during the 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.