Duterte puts Trump’s invitation on hold pending trips to Russia, Israel

President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to accept US President Donald Trump's invitation for him to visit the White House.

Duterte indicated that he was prioritizing his expected trips to new allies China and Russia.

Asked for confirmation if he had yet to accept Trump's invitation, Duterte said, "No, because I am tied up."

"I cannot make any definite promise. I’m supposed to go to Russia. I’m supposed to go Israel,” Duterte told reporters after visiting three Chinese warships docked in Sasa Port in Davao City.

It was the first time that Duterte adverted to a trip to Israel.

The President previously announced that he was going to Russia in May, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin extended the invitation during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru last November.

Trump invited Duterte to the White House to discuss the pressing North Korea problem in a phone call on Saturday after the Philippines hosted the 30th ASEAN Summit.

Duterte had a strained relationship with the US during the administration of former President Barack Obama who criticized his war on drugs. —NB, GMA News