Australia wants a piece of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,
they want the Philippine President to be in Sydney this coming March 16-18.
The President who just arrived from his successful trip from
India, wherein he was able to get USD1.25 Billion in investment pledges from
that trip, two invitations were sent to Malacañan one is from the European
Union inviting the President to attend the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM12) in
Brussels, Belgium in October and the other one is form one of his
administrations closest ally- Australia.
The formal invitation to Duterte was sent to Malacañan
through the Department of Foreign Affairs. This was relayed by Australian
Ambassador Amanda Gorely. *
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| Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and President Rodrigo Duterte during the last year's ASEAN 50th founding Anniversary and ASEAN Regional Forum (Photo credit to owner) |
The invitation to Duterte was personally signed by Australian
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who was in Manila last November. The invite is
for the ASEAN-Australia commemorative summit . Prime Minister Turnbull was one
of those invited by Duterte during the celebration and hosting of Manila of the
50th ASEAN founding anniversary and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
Along with other countries, Australia is one of the major
dialogue partners of the ASEAN and the ARF.
“We hope to see all the ASEAN leaders, including President
Duterte to attend the ASEAN-Australia commemorative summit to discuss common
concerns on regional security and terrorism and continuing cooperation on
economic and trade relations,” Amb. Gorley said.
The Ambassador takes
note that there is a large Filipino community in Australia whom she thinks
would be an important part in the visit of the President.
The Ambassador hosted the celebration of Australia’s
National Day Thursday night at the Makati Shangri-La where Executive Secretary
Salvador Medialdea represented the President. The President was attending the
India-ASEAN commemorative summit in New Delhi.
“Australia has been very helpful to the Philippines, that’s
why I am here to represent President Duterte to show our deep appreciation to
the Australian government and people,” the Executive Secretary said.
In her brief remarks, Gorley expressed gratitude to the
well-wishers who attended Australia’s National Day and announced the
forthcoming 2nd Philippine-Australia Friendship Day which will be celebrated
this year in Davao City, the hometown of
the President. *
Australia is one of those countries who help the Philippines
in the retaking of Marawi city for the ISIS inspired militants, the use of the
Australian military surveillance aircraft provided the Armed Forces of the Philippines
daily and real-time intelligence during the siege.
Australian troops also provided Urban warfare training to their Filipino
counterparts which was help in Camp
Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal last year.
“Australian soldiers are providing intensive training to the
AFP to enhance their urban warfare skills and are learning from the AFP experience
in Marawi,” Gorely noted.
Report from Philstar
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