PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to have state visits to Cambodia and Singapore next week, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Jose said the consecutive trips are part of Duterte’s introductory visits to neighboring Asian countries.
Jose said Duterte is due to visit Cambodia on December 13 and 14 upon the invitation of Cambodian King Norohodom Sihamoni.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Cambodia were formally established in August 1957.
During his visit to Cambodia, Duterte would have a royal audience with Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, followed by a State Banquet, said Jose.
He added that the President is also set to the hold a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Duterte and Hun Sen already met at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summits in Vientiane, Laos last September.
Jose said that at the bilateral negotiation, the two leaders are expected to tackle the West Philippine Sea issue, since the two countries are claimants of the disputed island.
He said Duterte would reiterate the Philippines’ “firm” commitment to the peaceful settlement of the contested maritime feature.
“The South China Sea issue could be raised in the President’s talks with the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Maybe under the ambit of regional defense and security issue,” he said.
Jose said defense and security relations, bilateral trade, protection of Filipino-Cambodian migrant workers, and cultural and tourism cooperation would also be discussed.
He added that the two countries may sign a memorandum of agreement on sports cooperation.
Jose said Duterte would also meet over 5,000 Filipino residing in Cambodia before flying to Singapore.
After his Cambodia trip, Jose said Duterte will then visit Singapore on December 25 to 16 after being invited by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
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.
Duterte, during his visit to Singapore, would discuss with Lee the ways to further increase the levels of two-way trade and investments; strengthen defense and security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and war on drugs; and the welfare of Filipinos living and working in the host country.
Jose said there are no agreements expected to be signed in Duterte’s visit to Singapore.
Jose said the President would also be feted at the State Banquet hosted by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
Duterte would also meet with the members of the Filipino community in the city state, Jose added. There are an estimated 180,000 Filipinos in Singapore. (Sunnex)