President Duterte has accepted United States (US) President Joe Biden’s invitation for him to participate in the upcoming Summit for Democracy, Malacañang announced Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 7.

The event is scheduled to take place from Dec. 9 to 10, 2021.

“President Biden has invited heads of state and government, other government leaders, and voices from the business and non-government sectors to join the [US] in taking action to strengthen democracy,” a statement from the Palace read.

In his invitation letter to the Philippine leader, Biden said the US will “host the Summit for Democracy with humility and in the spirit of mutual learning”.

Biden further said that together, the Philippines and US will “embark on the work necessary to shape a prosperous and peaceful future built on respect for the rights and aspirations of all people”.

“We recognize and appreciate your partnership in working to build democratic and human rights-respecting societies that allow all citizens to thrive. In a moment of significant challenge and enormous opportunity, it is more important than ever for democracies to prove that we can deliver for the needs pf our people,” Biden’s invitation read.

The American president said he also looks forward to welcoming President Duterte and hearing his ideas on “how we can foster a more democratic, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world”.

“President Duterte likewise welcomes the opportunity to share the Philippine democratic experience and commitment to democratic values and nation-building at the Summit of Democracy,” the Palace statement read.

Malacañang has yet to confirm as of posting time whether Duterte’s participation in the event will be virtual or otherwise.

Duterte recently said that he would like to fly to the US to personally thank Biden and the American people for all their help to the Philippines amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Ellson Quismorio

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