The international debut of the President at the ASEAN summit in Laos was described as very successful by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Although it had been clouded by controversy involving United States President Barack Obama, over harsh words said before he departed for the ASEAN summit, this had not marred the president’s resolve to lay down the Philippines’ position to the ASEAN community and its partners.
On Friday night, the President arrived at the Davao airport, detailing the success of the Philippines’ participation at the ASEAN summit in Laos.
The president also stressed his successful Indonesian trip, his first state visit, as he was warmly received and honored by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
The two ASEAN leaders also had a bilateral meeting where they vowed to pursue maritime cooperation and to crack down on terrorism, piracy, and the drug war.