Duterte heads for Cambodia, Singapore
"President Rodrigo Duterte will undertake a state visit to the
Kingdom of Cambodia on December 13 and 14, 2016 upon the invitation
of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, and to Singapore on December 15 and
16, 2016 upon the invitation of His Excellency Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong," Jose said on Friday, December 9.
Both trips form part of a series of the President's introductory visits
to neighboring Asian countries.
"During his visit to Cambodia, the President will have a royal
audience with His Majesty, King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace followed
by a State Banquet," Jose said.
The President and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen are scheduled to hold
a bilateral meeting, where they are expected to discuss issues of mutual
concern, including defense and security relations, bilateral trade, protection
of Filipino-Cambodian migrant workers, and cultural and tourism cooperation,
among others.
The two leaders are also expected to talk about the Philippines' ASEAN
chairmanship in 2017, which will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the
establishment of Philippines-Cambodia diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established
in August 1957.
The President is also scheduled to meet with the more than 5,000
Filipinos living and working in Cambodia before flying to Singapore.
During his State Visit to Singapore, President Duterte will hold
bilateral talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The President will also be
feted at the State Banquet hosted by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and
meet with the members of the Filipino community.
President Duterte and Prime Minister Lee are expected to discuss ways to
further increase the levels of two-way trade and investments, strengthen
defense and security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and war on drugs,
the welfare of Filipinos living and working in Singapore, and the Philippines'
chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.
The Philippines and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1969.
The two countries have enjoyed close relations, both bilaterally and within the
context of the larger ASEAN Community.
In 2015, Singapore was the Philippines fourth largest trading partner
with bilateral trade amounting to approximately 8.8 billion US dollars.
Moreover, there are an estimated 180,000 Filipinos residing and working
in Singapore.
Post a Comment