Donald Trump invites controversial Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte to White House

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Donald Trump invited Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte to the White House during a phone call on Saturday that also addressed concerns over North Korea, the White House said in a statement.

The White House gave no details of when the leaders would meet in Washington to discuss their alliance, but said Mr Trump looked forward to visiting the Philippines in November as part of two summits with other Asian nations.

Mr Duterte's spokesman says the US President called and expressed Washington's commitment to their treaty alliance and his interest in developing "a warm, working relationship" with Mr Duterte.

Presidential spokesman Ernie Abella also said on Sunday that Mr Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November, and that Mr Trump invited Mr Duterte to visit the White House.

mr Abella's remarks reflect the friendlier attitude Mr Duterte has taken toward Mr Trump versus the antagonistic stance he had toward President Barack Obama, who he once told to "go to hell" for criticising the Philippine leader's bloody anti-drug crackdown.

Reuters, AP