Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines
Winding down his visit to Asia, President Donald Trump repeatedly praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, called him by his first name, shared a joke with him about the media and even complimented Manila’s weather. What he did not do Monday was what many of his predecessors made a point of doing while abroad: publicly highlight human-rights abuses.
Duterte has overseen a bloody drug war that has featured extrajudicial killings. But during brief remarks to reporters, Trump said he and Duterte have “had a great relationship,” and he avoided questions about whether he’d raise human-rights concerns with the Filipino leader during a private meeting on the sidelines of a summit of Southeast Asian leaders.
The White House later said the two leaders discussed the Islamic State group, illegal drugs and trade during the 40-minute meeting.