VIENTIANE, Laos –A deep sadness felt by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as he expressed regret for his expletive-laced tirade against United States President Barack Obama.
A statement released on Tuesday (Sept 6) by Duterte said. He was sad for his strong comments to certain press questions that elicited concern and distress we also regret it came across as a personal attack on US President Barack Obama.
The dubious comments made by President Duterte Monday, September 5, before his departure for the ASEAN Summit in Laos, prompted the cancellation of a meeting between the two famous leaders.
Read this related story Obama cancels meeting with President Duterte after insult
“The meeting between the United States and the Philippines has been mutually agreed upon to be moved to a later date,” Duterte said in a statement.
Duterte also blamed media reports for his “strong comments” against Obama over extrajudicial killings.
“President Duterte explained that the press reports that President Obama would lecture him on extrajudicial killings led to his strong comments, which in turn elicited concern. He regrets that his remarks to the press have caused much controversy,” said Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, reading from the statement.
“Our primary intention is to chart an independent foreign policy while promoting closer ties with all nations, especially the US with which we have had a long-standing partnership,” the statement said.
“We look forward to ironing out differences arising out of national priorities and perceptions, and working in mutually responsible ways for both countries,” it ended. – JCE.
