(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte left for China on Wednesay afternoon, April 24, to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing scheduled on April 25 to 27 where he will join more than 35 leaders and heads of international organizations.
Duterte was invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the forum where international leaders are set to discuss issues of mutual concern.
He and his delegation left Manila for Beijing at 3:35 p.m.
-Duterte one of the lead speakers on last day of Forum-
President Duterte will be one of the lead speakers at the Leaders’ Roundtable on the forum’s last day on April 27.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) Meynardo Montealegre earlier revealed that the main outcome document of the Leaders’ Roundtable is a joint communiqué of the Leaders’ Roundtable of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum.
“The President’s participation reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to work with partners in the region to further enhance regional connectivity and economic integration in order to advance the country’s development agenda and sustain regional growth and development,” the statement read.
President Duterte is also scheduled to have separate meetings with President Xi and Chinese Premier Li, and is considered one of the few select leaders to meet with the Chinese officials.
They are expected to talk about key developments in bilateral relations and regional affairs.
He will also be honored with a dinner by the Chinese officials.
-Medialdea assigned as OIC-
President Duterte has designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as officer-in-charge, according to Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
Medialdea will ensure the continuity of government service and take care of the daily operations of the Office of the President.
He will also oversee the general administration of the Executive Department and if necessary, act for and on behalf of the President. This is with the exception of matters that the President is required by the Constitution to act in person while he is out of the country.
Medialdea’s actions, for and on behalf of the President, shall also be deemed acts of the President unless disapproved or reprobated by the President.
The Belt and Road Forum is seen by Philippine officials as an opportunity for the Philippines “to explore synergies on connectivity initiatives.”
Projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” and other development programs are seen to benefit with projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Two years ago, in 2017, President Duterte attended the first Belt and Road Forum, also held in Beijing.
