MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he is excited to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, one of the heads of state who have requested a bilateral meeting with him.
"That I look forward to," he said, when asked about his bilateral meeting with the Russian leader in Laos.
Duterte was speaking before repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City.
"I like Putin…We have similarities," he added.
When asked to elaborate about his similarities with Putin, Duterte replied: "Perhaps when it comes to girls."
The Russian president skipped the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit hosted by the Philippines last year. He was represented by Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medveded during the event, which was attended by delegates from more than 20 countries.
The heads of state of Australia, Japan and India have also requested a bilateral meeting with Duterte on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference in Laos.
Duterte is also scheduled to have a meeting with American President Barack Obama. The White House said Duterte's recent statements, human rights and the South China Sea dispute will be discussed by the two heads of states in the meeting.
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