Washington: President Barack Obama's planned meeting with his Philippine counterpart was canceled because the tone of the Philippine leader's rhetoric raised questions about the chances for a productive talks, the US State Department said on Tuesday.
"Words matter, and we want to see an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said after President Rodrigo Duterte called Obama a "son of a b****" and said he would not be lectured over extrajudicial killings in the Philippines' drug war.
Duterte later voiced regret for his language. The two had been scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos.
"Words matter, and we want to see an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said after President Rodrigo Duterte called Obama a "son of a b****" and said he would not be lectured over extrajudicial killings in the Philippines' drug war.
Duterte later voiced regret for his language. The two had been scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos.
© Thomson Reuters 2016
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Barack Obama, Wife Michelle Endorse Kamala Harris' Bid For US Presidency Report Reveals Why Barack Obama Hasn't Endorsed Kamala Harris In US Polls Obama Praises Biden's "Lifetime Of Service" Following Oval Office Address Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Send Reports Every 2 Hours: Centre To States On Kolkata Horror Protests Siddaramaiah's Swipe At Governor Amid Calls For Resignation: 10 Points 7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Russia, Tsunami Warning Issued Prohibitory Orders In Kolkata Amid Protests Over Doctor's Rape-Murder Gaza Records First Polio Case In 25 Years As UN Urges Vaccinations Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.