PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, October 10, left the country to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Leaders' Gathering in Bali, Indonesia.

Duterte left Awang airport in Maguindanao at around 6:17 p.m.

"The President leaves today to attend the Asean Leaders’ Gathering in Bali, Indonesia upon the invitation of President Joko Widodo," Malacañang said in a statement sent to Palace reporters.

"This is a special meeting that draws the Leaders of Asean Member States as well as key multilateral and international organizations," it added.

Palace said the President would emphasize before his fellow Asean leaders the need to sustain inclusive and sustainable growth and development for all through stronger regional and global cooperation and greater security and stability.

Duterte was also expected to meet with Asean leaders on the sidelines of their gathering 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," Palace said. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)