Trump touts ‘great relationship’ with Duterte in bilateral meeting

United States President Donald Trump on Monday had nothing but praises for President Rodrigo Duterte.

In his opening statement, Trump mentioned his “great relationship” with Duterte.

“We've had a great relationship. This has been very successful. We have many meetings today with many leaders,” he said.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in an audio briefer quoted Trump as saying that unlike former US President Barack Obama, he had always been a friend of the Duterte administration.

“He stressed that he can be counted upon as a friend of the Duterte administration,” Roque said.

The two leaders met for the first time in Vietnam, where they attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Trump also gushed over the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summit.

“The ASEAN conferences [have] been handled beautifully by the President and the Philippines and your representatives. But we very much appreciate the great treatment that you have given,” he said.

Trump particularly brought up the performances during the special gala dinner on Sunday night.

“I thought last night's event was fantastic, tremendous talent. Most of them, I guess, [are] from the Philippines. Tremendous talent, musical talent, dance talent. We really had a tremendous time, all of the leaders,” he said.

“So I think in behalf of the leaders and everybody, I want to thank you and I want to thank the Philippines,” he added.

Roque also said Trump confirmed that he requested Duterte to sing at the gala dinner.

For his part, Duterte said that he would discuss matters of mutual interest during his bilateral meeting with Trump.

Duterte declined to reveal if human rights issues would be discussed during the meeting.

“We’re not going to answer any questions because we’re on a bilateral meeting. Maybe there will b a press con later, you can ask questions there,” he said. —ALG/NB, GMA News