Days after protest notes on Pinoy envoy, Duterte meets Kuwaiti ambassador in Davao City

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday met Kuwaiti Ambassador Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh the Presidential Guest House in Davao City.

The meeting came after the Kuwaiti government summoned and served protest notes on Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa over the rescue of distressed overseas Filipino workers in the gulf state and alleged unsavory remarks against the host country.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Bong Go were present at Duterte's meeting with the Kuwaiti envoy.

Details of Duterte's meeting with Althwaikh aren't immediately available.

Malacañang on Monday expressed hope that the draft deal between the Philippines and Kuwait for the protection of Filipino workers will not be affected by reports against Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa.

"Sana hindi [maapektuhan]. But by filing a diplomatic protest of course it’s an expression of displeasure and let’s see what steps the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) will take next," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said at a press briefing.

Villa, according to Kuwait News Agency, was summoned by the Kuwaiti government on Saturday in protest over "inflammatory comments" he allegedly made against the Arab state through a local newspaper.

Cayetano on Monday said that the rescue of distressed Filipino workers had been coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities.

"Mahinahon naman at very respectfully na sinagot ng ating ambassador na lahat ng kaso ng rescue at pang-aabuso sa ating mga kababayan doon ay dinadaan po sa Ministry of Interior, at nakikipag-coordinate po sila sa local authorities. Pati po 'yung mga rescue, kino-coordinate ito," Cayetano said.

In a statement, the DFA said Ambassador Saleh reiterated the commitment of the Kuwaiti Government to protect and ensure the welfare of our more than 250,000 kababayans working there.

"For our part, we gave renewed assurances of our respect for the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and the dignity of the Kuwaiti people."

The agency also said the two countries agree to work together on matters of mutual concern and to inform the public of developments.

"We, however, would like to appeal for the public’s kind understanding as we ask for some diplomatic space to allow us to continue our engagement with our Kuwaiti counterparts." — NB/BAP, GMA News