ABC News(WASHINGTON) — President Obama met briefly with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday, exchanging pleasantries ahead of a gala dinner at a regional summit in Laos, according to White House officials.
The meeting comes just days after Duterte used explosive language about Obama, forcing Obama to abruptly postpone a formal meeting the two had scheduled during his visit to the region.
The Filipino president called Obama a “son of a b—-” on Monday and, while speaking to reporters, warned Obama not to question his policy of extrajudicial killings. Obama, in turn, called Duterte “a colorful guy” and signaled that the bi-lateral, face-to-face meeting may be canceled.
“When and if we have a meeting this is something that will be brought up,” Obama guaranteed. He said he would surely address the need for the Philippines’ fight against drug trafficking to be done in a “way that is consistent with international norms.”
Duterte expressed regret for his word choice the next day and thanked Obama, in a written statement, for the continued support of his country.
Obama’s visit to Laos follows a stop in China, where he attended the G-20 summit of global economic powers. He is scheduled to depart Laos on Thursday.
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