The snub was a spectacular setback for relations between the United States and Philippines, which are longtime allies and are bound by a mutual defence treaty to help each other in times of war.
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Later in the speech, Obama said he believes that “nations are stronger and more successful when they uphold human rights”. “I think they ironed out their differences”, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said, adding that there will be another opportunity for Duterte and Obama to talk during the US-Asean meeting on Thursday.
The two leaders met at a holding room inside the National Convention Center here before the gala dinner of the Association of South East Asian Nations summit, he said. That caused Obama to cancel a formal meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The basis for this relationship is historical and both leaders realize this.
The encounter took place just before a dinner during a summit of regional leaders in Laos, according to the Philippine delegation. “And I’m very happy that it happened”. All of them made their way through the holding room before heading to the banquet hall.
Ahead of what would have been their first meeting, Duterte anticipated that Obama would press him on violent crackdowns on narcotics trafficking in the Philippines as well as charges of extrajudicial killings.
Senator Alan Cayetano, one of Duterte’s close aides travelling with him, also said the meeting took place. “Putang ina, I will swear at you in that forum”, Mr Duterte said, using the Tagalog phrase for “son of a bitch”.
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Mr Obama and Mr Duterte entered the dinner venue separately, and were seated far apart and did not interact with each other during the dinner, which lasted an hour and 20 minutes.
