Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — President Benigno Aquino III on Monday (February 15) left for the United States to attend the U.S.-ASEAN leaders’ meeting.
The conference, which will be held in Sunnylands estate in California, aims to strengthen the cooperation and partnership between ASEAN member countries and the U.S.
The summit would cover maritime security, counter-terrorism measures, and transnational challenges to enhance free trade in the region including the trade route in South China Sea.
“Kasama ng mga kapatid nating bansa sa ASEAN, kaisa natin ang U.S. sa pagtutulak sa rule of law sa ating mga karagatan. Para sa ating lahat, malinaw naman: Pantay ang lahat sa harap ng batas,” President Aquino said in his speech before he left.
[Translation: Together with our brethren in ASEAN, the U.S. joins us in pushing for the ‘rule of law’ in our seas. It’s clear to all of us: Everyone is equal in the rule of law.]
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The summit will also focus on how the U.S. can extend help in boosting the regional bloc’s economic integration.
The summit will be an informal meet among leaders so there is a possibility that claimants to the South China Sea may meet on the sidelines to raise the issue.
President Aquino has always believed in the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the contested waters.
After the summit, Aquino will meet with the Filipino community and businessmen in Los Angeles.
He will also receive an honorary degree from the Loyola Marymount University.
