Duterte in Papua New Guinea to attend APEC Summit
By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte arrived in Papua New Guinea early Friday to attend the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting there.
In a statement on Friday, presidential spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said the APEC forum provides an opportunity for Mr. Duterte to express support for mechanisms that will benefit the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as bring their products and services overseas.
“The Palace expects President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to have a fruitful and productive visit to Papua New Guinea, the host of this year’s 19th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, as he joins 20 other leaders and representatives of member economies for the Economic Leaders’ Meeting,” he said.
According to Malacañang, the members of the President’s official delegation include Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo, and Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar.
Mr. Duterte is also expected to attend the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), APEC Leaders’ dialogue with Pacific Islands leaders on Saturday, and APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Gala Dinner.
On Sunday, President Duterte will join fellow leaders in an official APEC leaders’ photo. Then he will join the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Informal Dialogue with Leaders.
Mr. Panelo said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with their its counterparts on possible bilateral meetings.
APEC member-economies include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
