Manila, April 23 -- President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the very first Boao Forum for Asia in Manila on Monday night describing it as reflective of support for enhanced relations between the Philippines and China as well as East regional cooperation.
Duterte failed to attend the forum as he was "not feeling well" but Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea read the President's speech for him, thanking former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now House Speaker, for taking the initiative to bring the conference to Manila.
"The decision to hold this conference here in Manila is indeed a welcome development as it reflects the international community's growing support for and confidence in Philippines-China relations and East A...