TOKYO, Japan — President Rodrigo Duterte would not have the chance to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito during his visit here because of some protocols, the Philippines' envoy to Japan said Tuesday. And there is no chance because if you allow Duterte (to meet with the emperor), you also have to allow (Malaysian Prime Minister) Mahathir (Mohamad). For the emperor because the emperor is the symbol of Japan," he added. Other Asian leaders invited to the Nikkei conference are Prime Minister Sheik Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos. Naruhito ascended to the throne this month after his father Akihito abdicated, the first by a Japanese emperor in centuries.

Source: Philippine Star May 28, 2019 08:26 UTC