Duterte Became ‘Fast Friends’ With Putin, Xi

“We have become fast friends.”

This was revealed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summits in Lima, Peru over the weekend.

Duterte, Xi, Putin (abs-cbn photo)

“You know, we have become fast friends (with) President Putin and President Xi Jinping. It seemed like we’ve known each other for a long time and even (by) the way we pat each other’s hand in a handshake,” the Filipino president said.

Duterte met Putin for the first time during the summit while he met Xi during a state visit in China last month.

He had been open to have alliances with Russia and China. He also admitted that Putin was his idol.

During his first meeting with Putin, Duterte said the Russian president invited him to visit his country.

“When I finally sat down, I found out that President Putin was on my left so we shook hands. And after that, I shook his hands again and I finally said, ‘I go ahead.’ Then he gestured to me, ‘Don’t forget to visit Russia,’” Duterte said, adding that the Russian president mentioned the invitation four times.

“He has extended the gracious invitation maybe about four times already. And maybe I will go. Maybe I shall. What’s the right word? Shall or will? I shall go someday but not on a wintry night. I can’t stand cold,” Duterte said.

He recalled that Putin was all smiles during their meet, “It was something that you feel because his (Putin) smile was wide. According to news reports he’s not smiling. But he was smiling all along. He said, ‘Do not forget to go to Russia because I reserve something for you there.’ ‘Is it true?’ ‘Gun.’ He likes guns.”

Duterte has expressed interest of going to Russia.