Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — President Rodrigo Duterte is set to fly to Cambodia and Singapore for official state visits from December 13 to 16.
Both trips form part of a series of the President’s introductory visits to neighboring countries as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday announced the President’s itinerary.
Duterte will first visit Cambodia on December 13 and 14 by invitation of King Nordom Sihamoni, DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said in a press conference.
Duterte is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the two countries’ defense and security relations, bilateral trade, and cultural and tourism cooperation.
Duterte is also expected to push for the protection of Filipino-Cambodian migrant workers, and is set to meet over 5,000 Filipinos living and working in Cambodia.
While Cambodia is not a party to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, it has often stood against raising the South China Sea issue in official ASEAN meetings.
But Jose said the South China Sea row may be discussed during Duterte’s meeting with the Cambodian prime minister.
“On the part of 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.
From Cambodia, the President will fly to Singapore on December 15 and 16, upon an invitation from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Duterte will hold bilateral talks with Lee to discuss ways to further increase two-way trade and investments, strengthen defense and security cooperation, including efforts on counter-terrorism and war on drugs, and the welfare of over 180,000 Filipinos living and working in Singapore, Jose said.
Duterte is also expected to share a banquet with Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
Jose said trade agreements are not expected to be signed with either of the two countries.
