President Rodrigo Duterte and Joe Biden PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO and REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — U.S. President Joe Biden has written to Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte to assure him of the two nations’ sustained strong relationship and expressed hope to meet in person in the future, Manila’s top diplomat in Washington said Monday.
In an online Palace briefing, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Romualdez said there is no schedule yet for talks between Biden and Duterte, but surmised the 75th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations might “trigger for this conversation to happen.”
“Pero sumulat na nga si President Biden kay President Duterte, not only on the occasion of the 75th anniversary but also to inform him about how strongly the relationship between the United States and the Philippines will continue,” Romualdez said.
“And he (Biden) hopes that he will be able to meet in person with the President (Duterte) at some point in time,” he added.
Romualdez also reiterated that Biden is eyeing to talk to Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in Brunei this year, but noted they’re still waiting for an official word from Washington.
Asked if Duterte has received Biden’s letter and responded, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque replied: “I don’t have access to that information now, I will ask and inquire.”
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