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Duterte off to Bali for meeting with ASEAN leaders


President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday afternoon jetted off to Bali, Indonesia for a meeting with fellow Southeast Asian leaders on issues ranging from achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to accelerating economic development in the region.

The plane carrying Duterte and his party took off from the Awang Airport in Cotabato City at 6:17 p.m., according to Malacañang.

Duterte is expected to arrive in the Indonesian resort island late Wednesday night.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders' Gathering on Thursday will feature a two-and-a-half hour meeting between ASEAN leaders, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde, World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, and ASEAN Secretary General Dato Lim Jock Hoi.

Set to be discussed during the meeting are issues related to building synergy in strengthening financial stability in the region and accelerating economic development and regional integration as well as exploring potential collaboration to achieve development goals.

Duterte will discuss the Philippines’ progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; urge all parties to strengthen support for micro, small and medium enterprises development; and call for economic resilience amid prevailing global economic uncertainties, the DFA said.

He will also have bilateral meetings with at least three ASEAN leaders including Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the event.

"The Philippines is committed to actively participate and support ASEAN and ASEAN-centered efforts in order to advance shared aspirations for greater peace, progress and prosperity for the Southeast Asian region," the Palace said in a statement.

The President will return to the Philippines late Thursday night. — BM, GMA News

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