Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte met with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today in Putrajaya, Malaysia

Duterte meets Dr M in Putrajaya

Bernama
New Straits Times16 July 2018



PUTRAJAYA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte met with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today at the latter’s office in Perdana Putra, here.

Duterte, who was accompanied by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano and Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose and National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr, was welcomed by Dr Mahathir upon arrival at Perdana Putra at 3pm.

They met for about an hour. Also present were Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

In a statement in conjunction with Duterte’s visit, the Prime Minister Office’s said the call was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere symbolising the close ties shared by Malaysia and The Philippines.

The statement said both Duterte and Dr Mahathir were pleased with the current state of bilateral relations between both countries which was described as at its best level.

“It further served as an avenue for both leaders to discuss a wide range of bilateral cooperation particularly on defence and security, regional and global issues of common interest.

“Both leaders were pleased with the commitment shown by both countries to curb the spread of extremism and terrorism in the region.

“Malaysia has also expressed support towards peace and development in Mindanao in the southern Philippines,” said the statement.

Duterte who arrived in Malaysia on Saturday, also presented Dr Mahathir a portrait of the Prime Minister as a memento to mark the visit.

Yesterday, Duterte had witnessed the “Fight of the Champions” for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Lucas Matthysse of Argentina in Kuala Lumpur.

The historic boxing match was held at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil in which Pacquiao stunned defending champion Matthysse to become the new WBA welterweight champion. –BERNAMA © New Straits Times Press