MANILA President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he plans to hold

a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the sidelines

of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders meeting in
Peru next week.
Duterte has been praising Putin in his speeches and has called the
Russian leader his favorite hero.
Ako ang naghingi niyan (I asked for it). Earlier tonight, I had a long talk
with the Ambassador of Russia (Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev). I reiterated
again my desire to meet Putin, bilateral, Duterte told reporters in
Malacaang.
Duterte said he will not ask anything from Putin if their meeting pushes
through.
Wala. Wala man akong hingiin. (I wont ask for anything). I want to be
friends with him. I just want the two countries to be the best of friends
and this is an economic world, Duterte said.
The president, however, said the Philippines would definitely be open to
improving trade ties with Russia.
Duterte had said he will shift his focus on China and Russia as his
relationship with the U.S. soured over Washingtons criticisms on his
war on drugs.
His mood towards the U.S., however, may change with the election of
Republican bet Donald Trump.
Duterte has so far been warm towards Trump, who defeated favored bet
Hillary Clinton, the partymate of outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama.
Obama had been the subject of Dutertes numerous tirades. In one
instance, the tough-talking Filipino leader told Obama to go to hell.