The US President, Barack Obama on Thursday said he did not take President Duterte's cursing personally. He said the partnership between the tw countries should be consistent with the rule of law and international norms.
President Duterte this week called the US leader " a son of a whore" which prompted the White House to cancel the bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Laos. However, President Duterte subsequently issued a statement expressing regret that Obama was offended.
But in a news conference on Thursday, Obama downplayed the incident and said the two countries must continue their cooperation.
''I did shake hands with President Duterte last night. It was not a long interaction, and what I indicated to him is that my team should be meeting with his and determine how we can move forward on a whole range of issues,'' Obama said.
Obama added, Duterte's cursing is not really directed at the person. He noted how Duterte once uttered expletives against the Pope.
''As I said, when I was asked about this in China, I don't take these comments personally because it seems as if a phrase he's used repeatedly, including directed to the Pope and others. And so I think it seems to be just a habit, a way of speaking for him,'' he said.
However, the two leaders met briefly and exchanged pleasantries on Wednesday, officials said, easing tensions.
Source: ABS-CBN
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