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Duterte tells US Secretary of State Tillerson: I am your humble friend
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday welcomed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Malacañang.
“I am your humble friend in Southeast Asia,” Duterte told Tillerson in his opening statement.
Duterte also raised the common concerns of the Association of the South East Asian Nations, particularly the North Korea and South China Sea issues, during the meeting.
“I am happy to see you again and you have come at a time when the world is not so good, especially the Korean Peninsula, and of course, the ever nagging problem of South China Sea,” he said.
WATCH: Duterte tells Tillerson of a "nagging problem" during meeting @gmanews pic.twitter.com/DOXZKErngS
— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) August 7, 2017ADVERTISEMENT
Duterte was joined by the senior members of his Cabinet during the meeting, while Tillerson was accompanied by US Ambassador Sung Kim.
Earlier in the day, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the President is expected to discuss with Tillerson the issues concerning the situation in Marawi City and the Balangiga bells, among others. — Trisha Macas/RSJ/KVD, GMA News