Duterte congratulates Biden on US presidential election victory

President Rodrigo Duterte and US President-elect Joe Biden (PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO and REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday congratulated Joseph “Joe” Biden for his victory over Donald Trump in the United States 2020 presidential elections.

“On behalf of the Filipino nation, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wishes to extend his warm congratulations to former Vice President Joseph ‘Joe’ Biden on his election as the new President of the United States of America,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque noted that “the Philippines and the United States have long-standing bilateral relations and we are committed to further enhancing the relations with the United States under the Biden administration.”

“We look forward to working closely with the new administration of President-elect Biden anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law.”

“Congratulations and we wish him all the best,” Roque added.

Several media networks in the United States earlier reported that Democrat Biden, a former vice president, has captured the presidency, ending Republican Trump’s leadership in the US.

Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, meanwhile, made history as the nation’s first black woman with South Asian roots to be elected vice president.

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