(Eagle News)– Aside from leaders of Southeast Asian nations, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose on Friday revealed that President Rodrigo Duterte will hold face-to face meetings with leaders of Australia, India, Japan, Laos, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Laos.
Concerns such as the President’s war on drugs and West Philippine Sea dispute are likely to be discussed at the summit.
Earlier, Duterte reiterated that he would not bring the territorial dispute issue at the assembly.
However, Jose explained that Duterte will not avoid the topic if brought up by other nation leaders.
Other objectives expected to be raised and promoted by Duterte are strengthening of relations with other ASEAN states, promote stronger emergency response and disaster management, protection of migrant workers, fight against human trafficking, peace efforts, and war on terrorism.