By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte has embarked on an official visit to South Korea to tackle closer regional cooperation on trade, development and security during a summit there.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The President left the country Sunday night to join the other leaders for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)- Republic of Korea (ROK) commemorative summit on November 25 and 26. Duterte is also scheduled to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday and witness the signing of a number of bilateral agreements.
"The President will join his ASEAN counterparts and the leader of the Republic of Korea in this three-day summit to celebrate thirty years of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue relations," the Palace said in a statement.
"The leaders will review ASEAN-ROK strategic partnership and chart the future direction of cooperation in pursuit of a people-centered community of peace and shared prosperity," it added.
The regional summit, hosted by Korea, carries the theme “Partnership for Peace, Prosperity for People."
The Palace said leaders from ASEAN and Korea are also expected to explore ways to enhance relations in the areas of trade and investment, innovation and smart city development, sustainable development, countering transboundary challenges, biodiversity, and people-to-people exchanges through cultural and academic exchanges and human resource development.
"The leaders are also expected to discuss regional security issues and reaffirm their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in maritime security and domain awareness, marine conservation, environmental protection, food and energy security, disaster management, and cybersecurity," the Palace said.
Enhancing bilateral relations will be part of the President's agenda when he meets his South Korean counterpart.
"President Duterte will meet President Moon for the third time to take stock of PH-ROK bilateral relations as the two countries mark this year the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties," the Palace said.
This will be President Duterte's second visit to Korea. He visited Seoul in June 2018.
The Palace earlier announced that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has been designated as officer-in-charge of the executive branch while the President is abroad.