(Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Saudi Arabia’s interior minister, vowed to intensify efforts to fight terrorism.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the two government officials made the pronouncements during “very warm and cordial talks” in Malacanang on Monday.
Roque said the prince expressed Saudi’s “readiness” to combat violent extremism, and “reaffirmed the importance of the Philippines to Saudi Arabia.”
He said “the prince” also “conveyed the deep respect of the Saudi King for the President’s strong and decisive action that led to the liberation of Marawi from extremists and terrorists.”
“The President thanked the prince for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to defeat and break the backbone of terrorism and violent extremism,” Roque said.
Roque said during the meeting, Duterte also cited the “need to expand cooperation across many fields, especially in security, trade and investment, as well as in promoting the rights, safety and well-being of Filipinos.”
A luncheon was hosted for the Saudi prince after the talks.
“Over a specially prepared Filipino inspired menu, the two discussed the strengthening bilateral relations and issues mutual importance, particularly in law enforcement, peace and order and security,” Roque said.