Davao International Airport, Davao City
September 5, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte laid down his agenda in his upcoming participation in the 28th and 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR before departing at the Davao International Airport.

Among the pressing issues that the President said he will champion are counter terrorism and anti-violent extremism, renewed cooperation towards a drug-free ASEAN community, importance of the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes, and transnational issues such as human trafficking and terrorism activities.

On the economic front, the President said he would discuss ways towards inclusive growth that will be tangible for its people by strengthening connectivity in the region, enhancing trade and underscoring the importance of small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs).

The President added that he would engage other ASEAN leaders for the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant workers and will push for capacity-building to improve emergency response and disaster management.

“I ask every Filipino to do his and her part for the sake of our country. To use the opportunity for meeting with all ASEAN leaders and ASEAN dialogue partners to seek greater support for regional efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism,” he said.

The President is also set to accept the Philippines chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017 from Lao, which coincides in its 50th founding anniversary.

After his visit in Lao PDR, the President is set to hold his first working visit in Indonesia where he plans to discuss and strengthen existing bilateral ties between Philippines and Indonesia with President Joko Widodo from September 8-9, 2016.

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