Duterte to visit Cambodia, Singapore

KING RODRIGUEZ/PPD

President Rodrigo Duterte will embark on state visits to Cambodia and Singapore next week, which would nearly complete his swing through the nine other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

The trips are part of the President’s efforts to introduce himself to the country’s neighbors.

The Philippines is slated to host the Asean summit next year.

“Both trips form part of a series of the President’s introductory visits to neighboring Asian countries,” said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose.

Mr. Duterte will be in Cambodia from Dec. 13 to 14, and in Singapore on Dec. 15 and 16.

In Cambodia, Mr. Duterte will have a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni and a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Mr. Duterte will also discuss trade, protection of Filipino-Cambodian migrant workers, and cultural and tourism cooperation with Hun Sen, said Jose. He is also expected to meet with Filipinos in Cambodia.

In Singapore, the President will be feted with a state banquet hosted by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam. He will also meet with the Filipino community there.

Mr. Duterte and the Singapore Prime Minister are expected to tackle ways to strengthen defense and security cooperation, including counterterrorism and the war on drugs.