Duterte set to visit Cambodia, Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte is set to visit Cambodia next week, with the South China Sea likely to be on the agenda in his meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

“The South China Sea issue could be raised in the President’s talks with the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Maybe under the ambit of regional defense and security issue,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a pre-departure briefing at Malacañang.

Duterte’s Cambodia state visit is slated on Dec. 13 and 14, after which he will proceed to Singapore for another state visit from Dec. 15 to 16.

The trips are part of the President’s introductory visits to neighboring Asian countries, the DFA spokesman said.

Jose noted that the Philippines and Cambodia have been working closely under the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in helping resolve the maritime issue.

“And ASEAN, as we all know, have come up with a statement during the last ASEAN summit,” he added. “And on the part of the Philippines, we are quite happy with the ASEAN statement on this issue.”

According to Jose, the President is expected to reiterate his administration’s call for a peaceful approach to resolving the dispute – with Duterte reaching out to Beijing.

“But on the part of the Philippines, I think the President will be reiterating the country’s firm commitment to the peaceful settlement of the dispute and one that is also in accordance with the rule of law,” Jose said.

Acting on an arbitration case filed by Manila, a UN-backed international tribunal invalidated China’s massive claim in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea last July.

In the same ruling, the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.

While acknowledging the importance of the arbitral court’s ruling, Duterte has left the door open for dialogue with China to maintain peace and security in the region.

Duterte and the Cambodian leader will also discuss bilateral trade, protection for Filipino-Cambodian migrant workers, as well as cultural and tourism cooperation.

The two leaders are also expected to talk about the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2017, which will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Cambodia diplomatic relations.

Jose noted the two countries officially began their diplomatic relations in August 1957.

The President is also scheduled to meet with the more than 5,000 Filipinos living and working in Cambodia before flying to Singapore.

In Singapore, Duterte will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The President will also be feted at a state banquet to be hosted by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

Duterte and Lee are expected to discuss ways to further increase the levels of two-way trade and investments, strengthen defense and security cooperation including counterterrorism and war on drugs, the welfare of Filipinos living and working in Singapore, and the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.

Prime Minister Lee participated in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in Manila in November 2015. The Philippines and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1969.

In 2015, Singapore was the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner with bilateral trade amounting to approximately $8.8 billion.

There are an estimated 180,000 Filipinos residing and working in Singapore.