By Christina Mendez
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines highly values its “friendships” in the international community and is continuously pursuing “new ones,” President Duterte told the diplomatic corps yesterday, in apparent reference to his vision of an independent foreign policy.
In his speech at the traditional vin d’honneur at Malacañang, Duterte also stressed the need for constructive engagements with other countries as well as for respect for each other’s sovereignty.
“The Philippines contends with the realities that are our own. We value partners as we seek strengthened existing friendships even as we pursue new ones,” he said.
“We believe that friends help each other and utilize constructive engagement to achieve common goals. In truth, we all share the same aspiration of greater peace, progress and prosperity,” the President added.
The President has been trumpeting his desire for an “independent” foreign policy since his falling out with the US, which called his attention to reports of rising human rights abuses in the conduct of his vicious war on drugs. In one of his speeches, he even rained expletives on outgoing US President Barack Obama.
The United Nations and the European Union also drew Duterte’s ire for the same reason.
In his speech, he defended his campaign against illegal drugs before the gathering of ambassadors.
US Ambassador Sung Kim and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jiantao were on opposite sides of Rizal Hall during the reception.
Read the full story at The Philippine Star