FILE PHOTO: Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Russian President Vladimir Putin (REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III has expressed regret but fully understands the reasons for the absence of the Indonesian and Russian leaders in next week’s APEC Summit.
Both Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Russian President Vladimir Putin explained their need to stay in their respective countries to attend to the domestic issues they are currently confronting.
President Putin will be represented by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev while Widodo’s representative is yet to be named.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that out of 21 APEC leaders, only Widodo and Putin have confirmed their non-attendance during the APEC Summit.
Presidential Spokesperson Usec. Abegail Valte said, “So far it is only Indonesia and Russia that has initiate discussions on the representatives to attend so far, everyone as of today, it will stay that way.”
(ROSALIE COZ / UNTV News)
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