PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and United States (US) Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim had a "very productive" meeting at the sideline of the launching of the country's Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) chairmanship in Davao City, Malacañang said.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the two talked for about 45 minutes, noting that they were able to have an "open exchange of ideas."
"After the successful launch of the Philippines' chairmanship of Asean 2017, President Rodrigo R. Duterte had a productive 45-minute meeting with US Ambassador Sung Y. Kim in Davao," Abella said in a statement released Sunday night.
"It was a very productive meeting marked by an open exchange of ideas," he added.
Duterte has repeatedly launched tirades against the US, a long-time ally of the Philippines.
Kim has already met Duterte in December last year at the Malacañang Palace in Manila.
The presidential spokesperson said that during the meeting, Kim congratulated the Philippines on its assumption of the Asean hosting.
Abella added that the US remained committed to having a "solid" bilateral ties with the Philippines.
"[Kim] also discussed US-[Philippines] military cooperation, particularly in the fight against terrorism, and the extent of US assistance in Mindanao," Abella said.
"Citing cooperation in law enforcement, Ambassador Sung Kim stressed that the US will continue to provide support, including intelligence exchange and in maritime security," he added.
Last December, Kim was optimistic that the two countries would have a "deep bond" because of the "tremendous will, extraordinary spirit , warmth and strength" in their relationship.
“Over the weeks, months and years ahead, I look forward to working closely with the Philippines’ government and Filipino people to expand our relationship and to engage in many areas of mutual interest,” Kim told Palace reporters. (Sunnex)