Duterte meets with ambassadors from Japan, China, Israel

In this April 29, 2016, file photo, presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte answers questions from the media in Manila, Philippines. AP File Photo

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday held closed door meetings with the ambassadors from Japan, China and Israel.

It was not known if the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea was among the topics he discussed with the Japanese, Chinese and Israeli diplomats.

On Wednesday, Duterte was also expected to meet with the Russian ambassador.

Last year, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced his government’s desire to work closely with the Philippines in the field of military and defense, and wants to intensify bilateral ties at diplomatic, business and entrepreneurial fronts.

Last year, President Benigno Aquino III also urged Moscow to expand its trade with the Philippines, particularly in the areas of information technology; energy and renewables; and design-driven products and aerospace, among others.

Christopher Lawrence Go, Duterte’s close aide, said they were informed that US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg also wanted to make a courtesy call on Duterte.

However, he did not say when this would happen.

“The US Ambassador is also requesting but as to the details, it was not yet provided,” Peter Laviña, Duterte’s media team spokesperson, said.

Laviña said aside from foreign dignitaries, several other well-wishers also wanted to meet with Duterte.

“But we have to schedule them. It will be on a first-come first-served basis,” he said. With reports from Karlos Manlupig, Inquirer Mindanao/RAM/rga

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