Esperon, Andanar to attend Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

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National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar left the country yesterday to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States on January 20 in Washington, DC.

Ernesto Abella, the presidential spokesperson, said the Philippines aims to continue and strengthen its bilateral relations with the US under the Trump administration. Esperon and Andanar will be President Duterte’s representatives to the historic event.

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Andanar explained that it is not customary for heads of state to attend the inauguration of a US president because it is a domestic event. He also said they will hold side meetings while in Washington. Special assistant to the president, Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, earlier said that in a telephone call last December, Trump invited Duterte to visit him in the White House once he takes office.

“We will be performing our respective functions. The charge d’affaires will officially represent President Duterte,” Abella said.

The “Charge d’Affaires” is a diplomatic official who temporarily takes place in the absence of an ambassador.

“As per US practice, heads of diplomatic missions represent their countries in the inauguration. Charge d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto will be attending the inauguration,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

On Sunday, Duterte had a 45-minute meeting with the US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim. After the launching of the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN 2017 in Davao City, they discussed some important issues specifically on military cooperation, intelligence exchange, and maritime security to name a few.

“The Philippines and the US are long-standing allies and we intend to further strengthen the bilateral ties anchored on mutual respect, benefit, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” Abella said.

He also mentioned that one of the Philippine government’s objectives is to establish a shared commitment to world peace as Trump assumes office.

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