Philippines' Duterte: US' Trump extends stay in Manila

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday welcomed the announcement that U.S President Donald Trump would extend his stay in the country to attend the East Asia Summit (EAS).

"The Palace (Malacanang) welcomes the announcement of the White House that President Donald Trump would extend his stay in the Philippines to attend the EAS," Presidential Communications Operation Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on state-run radio station.

Trump, who earlier expected to stay only until Nov. 13 and skip the EAS, a key meeting that gathers 10 ASEAN member states and dialogue partners including the US, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea, said he decided at the last minute to extend his stay in Asia.

It would be Trump's first visit to the Philippines as President.

According to Andanar, President Duterte looks forward to engaging President Trump in productive dialogue at the ASEAN-US Commemorative Summit and the EAS.

As host and Chair of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, Andanar said "Philippines is set to welcome all foreign leaders and delegates and to ensure that they would experience Filipino hospitality at its finest."

Trump kicked off his Asian Pacific trip on Saturday. Japan was his first stop. He's scheduled to visit South Korea, China, Vietnam and later the Philippines, amid rising tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

The U.S. President has been calling the international community to join together in maximize pressure on North Korea.

Andanar also reported that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed attendance at this month’s ASEAN summit in Manila.

The Canadian leader wants to identify areas where his country and the 10 ASEAN member countries can strengthen partnerships.