PRRD to Push for Sustainable Growth at ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte arrived here Wednesday night to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Gathering, where he is expected to highlight the importance of maintaining sustainable economic growth in the region.

President Duterte, along with a lean official delegation, arrived at 9:09 p.m. on board a private jet at the Denpasar International Airport.

He was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Tan Wee, Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to ASEAN Elizabeth Buensuceso, Indonesia Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita, and Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Sinyo Harry Sarundajang.

Among the officials who accompanied the President were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, and Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

The one-day gathering is a special meeting that draws the leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states as well as key multilateral and international organizations.

The President, who is invited by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, is expected to address the meeting and highlight the need to sustain inclusive and sustainable growth and development for all through stronger regional and global cooperation and greater security and stability.

At the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering, the President will meet with ASEAN leaders to discuss bilateral issues of mutual importance.

The Philippines is committed to actively participate and support ASEAN and ASEAN-centered efforts in order to advance shared aspirations for greater peace, progress, and prosperity for the Southeast Asian region.

After the meeting, the leaders are scheduled to attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering dinner.

The President will return to the Philippines after the dinner and is expected to report to the nation the results of his participation at the gathering upon his arrival in Davao. (PND)