PRRD and Trump really hit it off: Andanar

FILE: Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (PNA Photo)

MANILA – On the fourth day of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the meeting of President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Donald Trump was much awaited as any of the outcomes of the bilateral talks between the Philippines and other ASEAN member states.

During a surprise visit Monday at the ASEAN International Media Center (IMC) of the World Trade Convention Center in Pasay City, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar gave an impromptu interview to both local and foreign media covering the ASEAN meetings.

“The United States has always been there to support us,” Andanar said indicating a much better PH-US relations now with the Trump administration in place.

Andanar added, “I think the issue between President Duterte and the former President Barack Obama is a thing of the past. Of course, we are dealing with a different US administration now and you can see through the two leaders’ body language that they really hit it off.

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The communications chief emphasized that the United States has always been there to support the Philippines and it has demonstrated this recently by sending humanitarian aid and military drones during the Marawi City crisis to support government efforts to fight terrorism.

Andanar said the good relations between the two leaders began when President Duterte called to congratulate President Trump after winning in the elections.

Andanar described the US President as an iconic figure.

“Meeting him (Trump) in person you can see that he really loves the Philippines. President Trump was game and allowed us to take selfies with him before the Gala Dinner. He really took the time to talk to us,” he said.

According to Andanar, President Duterte will have a full day today and as chairman, he will be presiding over all the 10 meetings.

Although no details were yet released on what topics the two leaders might discuss during bilateral talks, Andanar indicated that the issue with North Korea might come up.