Controversial Filipino President to meet with Kiwi Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will meet with controversial Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte for an informal meeting in Auckland.
Duterte arrived in Auckland for the brief one-night stop on Tuesday morning, returning from the APEC Summit in Peru.
"They'll be having an informal catch up," a spokesman for McCully said.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: Getty
Duterte does not have a formal programme of bi-laterals planned during the overnight trip.
It has been speculated that Duterte's route through New Zealand was specifically arranged to avoid travelling through the US.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully will meet Philippine President Duterte for an informal meeting in Auckland tonight.
— Nicholas Jones (@nickjonesnzer) November 21, 2016
Duterte has expressed his distaste for America in the past.
In October US President Barack Obama cancelled a planned sit-down with Duterte after the Filipino leader called him the "son of a whore".
International media also suggested Duterte may have chosen not to attend the APEC Summit gala dinner to avoid having to interact with Obama.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully. Photo: Getty
A spokesman for Duterte said he was feeling unwell.
He is expected to leave New Zealand on Wednesday.
– With NZN
RELATED:
