President Duterte said he looks forward to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the regional summit in Laos next week.
The tough-talking President admitted that he likes Putin and shares similar traits with the Russian leader.
“Yes, that I look forward to,” the President said in a chance media interview at the Manila airport when asked if he would meet Putin next week.
“Mas gusto ko si Putin. Pareho kami,” the former Davao City mayor added when asked why he was eager to meet his Russian counterpart.
Duterte is expected to embark on his first international travel next week since he assumed power last June. He will meet for the first time Putin and other leaders attending the regional assembly in Laos from September 6 to 8.
Duterte and Putin are known for being strong leaders and patriots with soaring popularity at home. Both world leaders also have their fair share of controversial and shocking remarks, including some anti-America sentiment.
(Genalyn D. Kabiling)