Duterte skipping ASEAN summit on Myanmar

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte won’t be able to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Jakarta, Indonesia this weekend, Malacañang said yesterday.

“The President will not personally attend but I’m sure that our Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will be there,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has been designated Philippine special envoy to the summit on Saturday.

“I understand it’s the issue of face-to-face. I think the only issue really is could it be face-to-face or could it be virtual. Several heads of state from ASEAN will also not attend personally,” Roque added.

Asked what the Philippines can expect from the ASEAN summit, especially on the recent developments in Myanmar, Roque replied: “Well, they will hold a summit to talk about the common position of the ASEAN.”

“The Philippines strongly supported the convening of the Meeting even without the full attendance of all ASEAN Leaders,” the DFA said in a statement on the Leaders’ Meeting to be held April 24 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The special Leaders’ meeting will address urgent matters in the region, including recovery efforts, the situation in Myanmar, ASEAN community building efforts, external relations, and regional and international issues.

The President, through Locsin, will convey the Philippines’ commitment to ASEAN’s collective efforts in addressing threats and challenges to peace and stability in the region.

The secretary will also express the Philippines’ strong support to the initiative of Brunei Darussalam and the Secretary-General of ASEAN to use their good offices, in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, to visit Myanmar and spearhead ASEAN’s response to the crisis in Myanmar.