President Rodrigo Duterte will fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 9.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will be traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, November 9, for his state visit.
This will be 8th Asian trip of Duterte since he assumed office on June 30.
Duterte’s delegation will include the Cabinet members namely: Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno, Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
In his pre-departure speech, DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said, the chief executive is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
On Wednesday night, Duterte is expected to meet with the Filipino community in Kuala Lumpur.
Based on the records, there are more than 150,000 Filipinos are currently residing in Malaysia.
According to Jose, among the topics to be discussed by the two presidents are Malaysia’s proposed inclusion in the Philippine government’s peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), security issues in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, counter-terrorism and the Philippines chairmanship of Asean in 2017.
“The Philippines looks upon Malaysia, both as a brother nation and as a dependable partner, not only bilaterally but also within the larger context of the BIMP-EAGA [Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area] and our beloved Asean community,” Jose said.
Earlier, Duterte has urged Malaysia and Indonesia to join forces. He also called on ending piracy, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the oceans within the sea borders of these three countries.
Jose was not sure whether the Sabah issue would be raised during the meeting or not.
“It may or it may not be raised. But, in any case, if it is raised by either side, I’m sure our President will be prepared to discuss this issue,” he said.
Before flying back to Manila, Duterte will also have a stopover in Thailand to extend sympathies with the Thai royal family and the Thai people for the recent passing away of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
