Duterte, US envoy meeting to result in “closer relations,” Palace says

September 13, 2018

Malacanang said on Thursday that the meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and United States Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim will result in "closer relations" of the two countries.

Kim called on Duterte in Malacanang on Wednesday.

"Well, we’ve always had good relationship with the United States. And I’m sure that every meeting between the President and the US Ambassador will result in closer relations," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said when asked if the recent meeting means a better relationship between Manila and Washington.

Duterte previously said that he wanted the Philippines to distance from the US after then President Barack Obama raised concern over the Philippine bloody war against illegal drugs.

Roque refused to give further details on the meeting between Duterte and Kim, saying it was classified as a private meeting.

Kim, in his Twitter, described the meeting with Duterte as "excellent."

He said they discussed shared goals including defense priorities and economic partnership.

"Our alliance remains strong and ironclad," Kim said. Celerina Monte/DMS