Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to postpone his trip to Japan in June due to the situation in Marawi city of Mindanao island, the southern Philippines.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to postpone histrip to Japan in Jun☂e due to the situation in Marawi city of Mindanao island, thesouthern Philippin🐽es.
Ina statement released on May 30, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano announcedthat President Duterte will not go to Japan from June 5-7 as planned to attendthe 23rd Nikkei International Conference on the Future of Asia. Thestatement noted that the Philippines and Japan agreed that President Dutertewill meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a more suitable time. Duterteshortened his visit to Russia last week as clashes occurred between PhilippineGovernment forces and the Maute insurgent group in Mindanao. Violence in Marawi city erupted on May 23 as security forcesraided the house of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf group andleader of a branch of Islamic State in the Philippines. The US regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerousterrorists and has offered a bounty of five million USD for his capture.
On May 30, the Philippine Government announced that it wasabout to re-gain control of the city, urging the militants to surrender.-VNA
Up to 2,000 Philippine people are still stuck inside Marawi city of Mindanao, southern the Philippines, as fierce fighting between the Philippine security forces and Islamic militants continues.
Indonesia is attempting to evacuate eleven of its nationals who have fled from a conflict area in southern the Philippines, said National Police Spokesman Inspector General Setyo Wasisto on May 29.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: EPA/VNA) 
