ASEAN stands with you – Duterte to disaster-hit Indonesia
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday affirmed the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for Indonesia, which is still
reeling from the destruction caused by an earthquake and tsunami that struck one of its cities last month.
Speaking at the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Duterte reiterate
the Philippines’ “sincere sympathies for the tremendous loss of lives and extensive damage to property.”
At least 2,000 people died from the 7.5 magnitude quake and ensuing tsunami that hit the Indonesian city of Palu
but the number is expected to rise with thousands still missing.
“Indonesia has taken on the challenge of rebuilding and rehabilitating its communities. Indonesia stands
resilient and unbowed in these difficult times.
Indonesia stands for PH
But Indonesia does not stand alone,” Duterte said in his remarks during the dialogue that was attended
by other ASEAN leaders and heads of the United Nations, World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund.
“Your brothers and sisters in ASEAN stand with you. In responding to disasters, Southeast Asia has declared:
One ASEAN, One Response. And we have done so.”
Duterte’s outing to Bali likewise observed the stately turnover of help to Indonesian Sinyo Harry Sarundajang held at a resort in Bali on Thursday.
Outside Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go spoke to Duterte in the function.
As indicated by Malacañang, the Philippine government expanded $300,000 worth of money and also $200,000 in kind to the casualties of the catastrophe.
Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Tan Wee said the primary clump of the alleviation merchandise and different guides touched base
at Kota Balikpapan Kalimantan Airport on Wednesday while the second conveyance book on Sunday.
Aside from government help, a few privately owned businesses in the Philippines likewise gave money gifts to the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines, as indicated by Wee.
