DFA: Obama, Duterte had chat before ASEAN gala dinner

U.S. President Barack Obama poses during a family photo during the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos September 7, 2016. Jorge Silva, Reuters

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte and U.S. President Barack Obama had a short talk Wednesday night before the ASEAN gala dinner, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

According to DFA spokesperson Charles Jose, the two chief executives had a brief chat while they were in a holding room prior to the summit's gala dinner.

Jose did not provide details on the conversation.

Duterte and Obama were supposed to hold a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

However, Obama cancelled the meeting, following Duterte's "colorful" response with regards to the issue of human rights in the Philippines.

Duterte has since expressed regret over how his expletive-laced remarks led to the cancellation of his planned meeting with the U.S. president.

Contrary to a Malacañang press release, Duterte was also seated far from Obama and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during the ASEAN Gala Dinner.

source:abscbnnews