(Eagle News)– Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesman Charles Jose said on Wednesday (September 7) that President Rodrigo Duterte can still cross paths with US President Barack Obama at the ASEAN Summit in Laos.
Jose was optimistic that Duterte’s harsh remarks would not strain the relationship between United States and Philippines.
“Sa side natin, sinabi ni President Duterte na he continues to value the alliance with the US and he expresses high regard and affinity for President Obama,” he said.
“There are more things that bind us together, so we are confident that we can continue with our friendship, partnership and cooperation with the US,” he added.
Jose also informed that the agenda for the supposed bilateral meeting of the two presidents was fully prepared, even before President Duterte left for Laos.
In his pre-departure speech, President Duterte made aggresive comments on US and Obama when members of the media asked him what he will say if Obama brings up the issue of extrajudicial killings.
The remarks made Obama cancel his expected bilateral meeting with Duterte in Laos.
Duterte earlier expressed regret over his remarks, and reiterated that he would not want to start a fight with Obama.
