President Rodrigo Duterte salutes Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. as he prepares to board a plane bound for the People’s Republic of China at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on April 24, 2019. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking more infrastructure deals with Beijing to boost his government’s “Build, Build, Build” program in his fourth trip to China.
Duterte left Manila on Wednesday afternoon to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing from April 25 to 27.
In a press statement, Malacañang said the “President’s participation reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to work with partners in the region to further enhance regional connectivity and economic integration in order to advance the country’s development agenda and sustain regional growth and development.”
“The Forum is an opportunity for the Philippines to explore synergies on connectivity initiatives. This includes projects under the BRI, and the country’s Build, Build, Build and other development programs,” the Palace said.
President Rodrigo Duterte boards a plane bound for the People’s Republic of China at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on April 24, 2019. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Malacañang said Duterte together with over 35 leaders and heads of international organizations, would discuss “how to boost connectivity, further strengthen policy synergy and build closer partnerships, and promote green and sustainable development.”
Duterte is scheduled to have a bilateral talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.
“Prior to the Forum, the President will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to take stock of key developments in bilateral relations and regional affairs,” the Palace said.
Among the China-funded projects in the Philippines include the controversial Kaliwa Dam and Chico River Pump Irrigation. /ee