Duterte will visit Cambodia on Dec 13 and 14 at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, and then head to Singapore on Dec 15 and 16 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will travel to Singapore and Cambodia later this month, as part of his introductory visits to ASEAN countries.

Duterte will visit Cambodia on Dec 13 and 14 and then head to Singapore on Dec 15 and 16, said Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose on Friday (Dec 9) in a news conference at Malacanang Palace.

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In Cambodia, Duterte will have a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni, followed by a state banquet. He will also have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The South China Sea issue could be raised in Duterte's bilateral talks with Hun Sen, said Jose.

The spokesman said that Duterte would reiterate the Philippines' "firm commitment to the peaceful settlement of the dispute and one that is also in accordance with the rule of law".

Cambodia and the Philippines may also sign a memorandum of agreement on sports cooperation, he added. Duterte will also meet more than 5,000 Filipinos living in Cambodia before heading to Singapore.

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INCREASING BILATERAL TIES WITH SINGAPORE

In Singapore, Duterte and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will discuss ways to further increase bilateral trade and investments, strengthen defence and security cooperation.

The Philippine president will also be hosted to a state banquet by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

Duterte is scheduled to meet the Filipino community in Singapore on Dec 16. According to the Philippine embassy in Singapore, the number of people requesting to attend the event has already exceeded the venue's maximum capacity.