US President Barack Obama met briefly with Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, their two governments said, days after the firebrand politician branded the US president a “son of a whore“.
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As White House officials immediately cancelled Obama’s last tour as a President to Philippines, citing Duterte’s use of obscene language against the latter, it may hurt long standing bilateral relations between the two nations.
The presidents of the two longtime allies were due to hold talks on Tuesday but the White House canceled the meeting after Duterte’s insult.
An Associated Press report said that Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay has told reporters, “I am confirming that they met”. “And I think it’s very important that we have a relationship, but there has to be a certain level of respect that is expected on both sides”, said Clinton, who as secretary of State was an architect of Obama’s policy of emphasizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific to U.S. interests in the face of a rising China.
The encounter took place just before a dinner during a summit of regional leaders in Laos, officials indicated.
“I can not give the details but they were able to discuss things”.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the two leaders met at the holding room of the National Convention Center.
Duterte has also criticized Ban for his comments about the extrajudicial killings, and last month he threatened to pull the Philippines out of the United Nations, saying that the organization had made a “very stupid” proposition. The basis for this relationship is historical and both leaders realise this.
Duterte had his outburst on Monday when he was defending his war on drugs that has killed at least 2,400 Filipinos. Park also said “considering that China’s role is important in effectively implementing sanctions against the North and resolving its nuclear problem, South Korea and the USA agreed to continue communication with China through various channels”. You must be respectful.
Prime Minister Mr. Modi exchanged views with Mr. Obama on the sidelines of the G20 summit in China’s Hangzhou on Sunday, with the US president praising the “bold policy” move on GST reform in a “difficult” global economic scenario.
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In his rant, Duterte also declared, “Son of a bitch, I will swear at you”, though he later claimed that remark was directed at a journalist and not at Obama.
