Trump tells Medialdea: Tell Rodrigo I like him very much

President Donald Trump speaks with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte at an ASEAN Summit dinner at the SMX Convention Center, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

United States President Donald Trump can’t get enough of his admiration for President Rodrigo Duterte.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Trump reiterated his appreciation for the warm welcome Duterte showed during his visit to the Philippines.

“Thank you very much, I had a great time and tell Rodrigo I like him very much,” Medialdea quoted Trump as saying before the US president boarded the Air Force One back to the US on Tuesday afternoon.

Trump arrived in the country on Sunday to attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Related Meetings in Manila.

READ: Trump arrives in Manila for Asean Summit

During his bilateral meeting with Duterte on Monday, Trump praised Duterte’s hosting of the Asean Summit, which he said has been “handled beautifully.”

“We’ve had a great relationship. This has been very successful,” Trump told Duterte.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the two leaders had a “warm and cordial” bilateral meeting.

Trump left on Tuesday ahead of the closing of the Asean Summit. /jpv