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President Trump confirms PH visit in November

US Head of State Donald Trump confirms his attendance during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit in Manila on November.

According to Malacanang Protocols chief Ambassador Marciano Paynor, US President Trump has personally indicated over the phone that he is coming to the Philippines this year.

“As of now, President Trump, for instance, when President Duterte called him up to congratulate him had already indicated that he was coming in November, so at least verbally he said he was coming,” said Paynor during a Palace Press conference.

The main ASEAN summit will be on November and will be attended by leaders from growing regions. President Trump’s predecessor, Barrack Obama, joined the Southeast Asian leaders and government for the annual meeting during his term.

ASEAN events organizers usually expect a full 100 percent attendance from members of the organization as well as members from the neighboring countries, such as South Korea and New Zealand.

President Dutetrte made a phone call to congratulate Trump as the new President of the US last December.

According to Presidential assistant Bong Go, Duterte and Trump’s phone conversation was very engaging and animated. US President Trump also invited Duterte to the White House.

A Sydney-based think tank Lowy Institute analyst, Aaron Connelly said that given the Trump’s habit, there is a possibility that President Trump will likely skip the ASEAN Summit in Pampanga.

“[President Trump] is a creature of habit who is not fond of spending more than a couple days on the road,” Connelly wrote.

Conelly also added that the Summit will cover issues of less interest to him, such as the regional diplomatic architecture and the Chinese challenge to the rules-based order in the region.

The 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings are on November 10-14 in Clark Field, Pampanga. On April 26-29, leaders of ASEAN member countries are set to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila.

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