Duterte accepts invite from Biden to participate in democracy summit

President Rodrigo Duterte and Joe Biden PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO and REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Upon the invitation of United States President Joseph Biden, President Rodrigo Duterte will participate in the Summit for Democracy scheduled for Dec. 9 to 10, the Office of the President (OP) said Tuesday.

OP said President Biden has invited heads of states and government, other government leaders, and “voices from the business and non-government sectors” to join the US in “taking action to strengthen democracy.”

“President Duterte welcomes the opportunity to share the Philippine democratic experience and commitment to democratic values and nation-building at the Summit for Democracy,” the OP said in a statement.

In his invitation, Biden said the US will host the event “with humility and in the spirit of mutual learning.”

He added that together, nations will “embark on the work necessary to shape a prosperous and peaceful future built on respect for the rights and aspirations of all people.”

“We recognize and appreciate your partnership in working to build democratic and human-rights respecting societies that allow all citizens to thrive. In a moment of significant challenge and enormous opportunity, it is more important than ever for democracies to prove that we can deliver for the needs of our people,” OP said, quoting Biden in his invitation as saying.

Biden also said he looks forward to welcoming Duterte and hearing his ideas on “how we can foster a more democratic, equitable, inclusive and sustainable world.”