MANILA, Sept 6 (PNA) — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined his fellow leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the opening ceremony of the 2016 ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, capital of Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Tuesday.
This is the first foreign trip of President Duterte since he assumed the highest office of the land.
It comes at a critical period just days after the bombing of his hometown Davao City last Friday night that killed 15 individuals and hurt at least 67 others. On Saturday, the President cancelled his working visit to Brunei following the deadly explosion.
During the summit’s opening rites, leaders of the 10 ASEAN Member-States watched a cultural presentation and video of the regional bloc’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration next year.
The event showcased the best of Southeast Asia, offering exquisite flavors of foods and diverse cultures amid a playground of adventure and unparalleled beauty.
At the end of the ceremony, the national leaders were invited on stage to press the symbolic ASEAN@50 logos.