Mr Trump had a "very friendly conversation with Mr Duterte", according to a statement issued by the White House late Saturday. A Duterte spokesman, Ernesto Abella, confirmed the White House invitation, saying that Mr Trump had expressed "his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter" of drugs. Mr Trump has spoken warmly of the Egyptian leader, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who seized power in a military coup. An outspoken populist with a shoot-from-the-hip style, Mr Duterte shares some characteristics with Mr Trump. In its statement, the White House suggested that Mr Trump was eager to mend relations.

Source: Bangkok Post April 30, 2017 08:03 UTC