Duterte joins Southeast Asian leaders to open 35th Asean Summit

NONTHABURI, Thailand — President Rodrigo Duterte joined fellow heads of state as the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) formally opened Sunday morning.

Duterte arrived promptly at 9 a.m. alongside his long-time partner Honeylet Avanceña.

Also accompanying Duterte were Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

The President joined fellow Southeast Asian leaders on stage for the traditional handshake.

Screenshot from RTVM livestream

Duterte’s attendance to the 35th Asean Summit marks his fourth visit to Thailand after his visit in November 2016 to pay his respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, another trip in March 2017 for an official visit, and in June this year for the 34th Asean Summit. /je