Duterte, Moon to discuss mutual concerns, hot issues on Korean peninsula

SEOUL — President Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in are expected to discuss mutual concerns and the developments on the Korean peninsula in talks scheduled here on Monday.

The President arrived early Sunday morning here for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of President Moon, whom he will meet on Monday at the Blue House, the executive office and official residence of the South Korean leader.

READ: Duterte lands in Seoul Sunday for 3-day visit

Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul Hernandez said on Monday the two leaders will talk about mutual concerns that will likely include the “hot issues“ in the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon had been instrumental in the historic summit meeting between United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which is pushing ahead this month in Singapore after Trump earlier canceled it.

The summit comes after Moon and Kim had their historic meeting themselves last April.

“Because of the hot issues about the Korean Peninsula, I think they will also discuss this issue, as well as other regional issues including probably some wider Asia-Pacific region issues,” Hernandez said in an interview with Radio Television Malacañang.

The two leaders will also discuss “how to ensure the interest and well-being of the Filipinos here in Korea, and also about the safety and security of the Filipinos in South Korea, and the safety and security of Korean people in the Philippines,” according to Hernandez.

He said South Korean tourists are now the foreign visitors in the Philippines, with 1.7 million of them visiting the country last year. In turn, there were 450,000 Filipino tourists who visited Korea last year. There are also 66,000 Filipinos living and working in Korea. /ee