Despite worldwide criticisms against North Korea and even after President Rodrigo Duterte himself tagged its supreme leader Kim Jong-un a “chubby maniac”, the Philippine president seemed to have shifted views as he is now showing interest in making North Korea a dialogue partner.
In the arrival ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), President Duterte thanked North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho and said that they are very pleased to have him.
He added that they are always invited in the Philippines and that they “would be a good dialogue partner”.
Duterte and Ri also had a small conversation at the closing ceremony.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Ri congratulated members of ASEAN in celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08 / 09 / 17)