President Aquino, still feeling under the weather, will push through
with his two-day visit to Busan, South Korea today to participate in the
commemorative summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) and Republic of Korea on December 11 and 12.
“He is still sick,” Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte
said in a Palace press briefing when asked about the condition of the
President’s health. Asked if the ailing President is ready for cold
Busan weather, Valte said she would extend such concern to Aquino.
At the special summit in Busan, the President is expected to
highlight the country’s position on various issues such as climate
change, disaster risk management, and the dangers posed by the Ebola
virus.
On the sidelines of the summit, the President has arranged separate
meetings with South Korean President Park Geun-hye and business groups.
The summit, which will be held at the Busan Exhibition Convention
Centre (BEXCO), will cover the review of the ASEAN-ROK cooperation and
its future direction, and the cooperation on non-traditional security
issues with emphasis on climate change and disaster risk management,
according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and other members
of the Cabinet are expected to join the President Aquino.
ASEAN-Philippines Director-General Luis T. Cruz and other officials from
executive departments are also expected to join.
A bilateral meeting between President Aquino and South Korean
President Park Geun-hye will take place today (Dec. 11). Park will host a
welcome dinner and cultural performance to officially welcome the ASEAN
Leaders.
Aquino is also set to attend the two commemorative summit sessions on
Dec. 12 at the Busan Exhibition Convention Center (BEXCO) which will
cover a review of the ASEAN-ROK cooperation and its future direction.
Likewise, President Park will host the Leaders’ Luncheon on the second day.
The President is also expected to tackle head on cooperation on
non-traditional security issues with emphasis on climate change and
disaster risk management. This after the country experienced typhoon
“Ruby’s” onslaught.
Aquino initially cancelled his trip to monitor the rehabilitation
efforts but decided to push through with it after Typhoon “Ruby” was
downgraded into a tropical depression Monday.
Other sideline events where President Aquino is set to attend include
an exhibition on Korean traditional arts and crafts, a special
exhibition on public governance, and a meet-and-greet with the CEO of
Korea Aerospace Industries and ROK officials.
Aquino and nine other leaders will deliver their respective
statements building on this year’s theme “Building Trust, Bringing
Happiness.”
The theme reflects South Korea’s commitment to strengthen its
relationship with ASEAN through trust, which should result in happiness
for the citizens of ASEAN and South Korea.
