MANILA, Philippine — President Rodrigo Duterte will meet with newly elected Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad next week to discuss terrorism and rebellion, Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the two leaders had a phone conversation Monday and agreed to meet after the boxing match between Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysee.
“Had Telephone talk with Mahathir before cabinet meeting. He (Duterte) wants to talk about insurgency and ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). We will be there July 16. After boxing, will talk with Mahathir," Roque said in a tweet.
PRRD: “Had Telephone talk with Mahathir before cabinet meeting. He wants to talk about insurgency and ISIS. We will be there July 16. After boxing, will talk with Mahathir”.
— Harry Roque (@attyharryroque) July 9, 2018
Sources said Duterte would watch the boxing match on July 15. The meeting with the Malaysian leader is expected to take place the following day,
Roque said the private trip might last for three days but plans are still being finalized. — Alexis Romero