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Duterte, Xi Jinping watch FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 opening ceremony
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday watched the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 opening ceremony in Beijing, China as a guest of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Duterte sat next to Xi at the National Aquatics Center.
"The President ended Day Three on a lighter note by attending the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Opening Ceremony. We are pleased to note that the President of the Philippines is the only foreign head of state/government invited as guest of Chinese President Xi Jinping," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
LOOK: Pres. Duterte graces opening of FIBA World Cup with Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping in Beijing. Palace says Pres. Duterte was d only leader invited as guest by Xi to watch the games (Palace fotos) @gmanews pic.twitter.com/EW65T9mktd
— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) August 31, 2019
Duterte arrived in China on Wednesday and will stay until Sunday.
He is expected to attend the opening game of the Philippines men's basketball team Gilas in the FIBA World Cup 2019 game in Foshan, Guangdong, China, on Saturday. Gilas will go against Italy in Saturday's game.
Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao on Friday said the national team is eager to meet Duterte at the FIBA World Cup game.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said last week that the President is planning to watch the game against Italy to "personally cheer" for Gilas.
"Of course, we would love to meet the President before or after the game," Guiao told reporters after the team wrapped up their final practice.
Duterte earlier said Gilas cannot win against Italy, but may have the chance against Angola.
Guiao, however, is keeping a positive outlook about the team's chances against the Italians. —KG, GMA News
