Duterte: I am ready to talk to Obama

President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to meet with United States President Barack Obama at the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Laos next week.

Duterte on Wednesday said he was open to discuss any issue with Obama.

“He can wish [to discuss] any topic at all. I’m ready to talk to him,” said in a news briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) where he welcomed 130 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Saudi.

READ: Obama to meet Duterte, but spokesperson unsure

Asked if he was okay to discuss human rights issues in the country, the President said Obama should listen first to him and understand the situation in the country before they could proceed and discuss the matter.

“It depends to what degree because they must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would insist, listen to me. This is what the problem is. Then, we can talk about the UN. No problem,”Duterte said.

The White House earlier confirmed that Duterte and Obama are set to meet at the Asean Summit.

The White House said the issue on human rights was expected to be discussed by the two leaders. CDG

READ: Obama tells Duterte: Protect human rights