Trump invites Philippines’ Duterte to Washington in ‘friendly’ call

HARRISBURG, PA - APRIL 29: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) acknowledges supporters as Vice President Mike Pence (R) looks on during a "Make America Great Again Rally" at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center April 29, 2017 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. President Trump held a rally to mark his first 100 days of his presidency.   Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP
HARRISBURG, PA – APRIL 29: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) acknowledges supporters as Vice President Mike Pence (R) looks on during a “Make America Great Again Rally” at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center April 29, 2017 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. President Trump held a rally to mark his first 100 days of his presidency. President Trump called Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte Saturday night (Manila time) where they discussed the threat of North Korea, and where he invited Duterte to visit Washington.Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP  

 

 

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Donald Trump on Saturday invited his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte to Washington in a “friendly” call in which the leaders discussed the “threat” of North Korea, the White House said.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs following its latest test-fire, as well international criticism of Duterte’s drug crackdown that has claimed thousands of lives.

“It was a very friendly conversation, in which the two leaders discussed the concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding regional security, including the threat posed by North Korea,” the statement said.

The leaders also “discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world.” The Philippine president has relentlessly railed against criticism of his drug war, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have warned may amount to a crime against humanity.

The White House said Trump “enjoyed the conversation” and looks forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

“President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction.”

 

Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the end of Association of Souteast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' summit in Manila on April 29, 2017. Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders on April 29 they were facing a "massive" illegal drug menace that could destroy their societies, as he called for a united response. / AFP PHOTO / Ted ALJIBE
Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the end of Association of Souteast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders’ summit in Manila on April 29, 2017.
Duterte warned Southeast Asian leaders on April 29 they were facing a “massive” illegal drug menace that could destroy their societies, as he called for a united response. / AFP PHOTO / Ted ALJIBE

 

There has been concern about Duterte’s efforts to loosen the Philippines’ long-standing alliance with the United States as he looks to court China.

Vice President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of “unwavering commitment” to the region. (Agence France-Presse)