CLARK FIELD, PAMPANGA — Defense Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, October 24.

The President and the ministers discussed a wide range of issues from terrorism to illegal drugs.

In his message during the meeting here, the President expressed gratitude to the ministers for their participation in the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting  (ADMM) and 4th ADMM-Plus in Clark.

He lauded the ministers for having a productive and fruitful discussion during the meeting, which are essential in promoting cooperation and peace and stability in the region.

On the fight against terrorism, the President relayed to the ministers that all combat operations in Marawi City had been terminated as all the remaining terrorists in the area had been neutralized.

The Chief Executive likewise expressed gratitude to countries which provided assistance to the Philippines in defeating the Maute terror group, such as China and Russia, which provided arms; and the US and Australia for their intelligence and military expertise.

He also explained to the ministers the country’s war against illegal drugs.

Following his meeting with ASEAN Defense ministers, President Duterte received Gen. Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister.

United States Secretary of Defense James Matttis also paid a courtesy call on President Duterte. ### PND