Digong the Gentleman, actually... he has always been a gentleman

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is in the country for the ASEAN Regional Forum and yesterday, August 7, Monday, she met the gentleman, President Rody Duterte in the Malacañan Palace.

The President and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop discussed ways of further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual concern, including countering terrorism and violent extremism.

Both the President and FM Bishop recognized the importance of deepening bilateral engagement in a constructive manner.

After discussing regional developments, both agreed the need to work closer together to advance shared goals for the Philippines and Australia and for the region.

The relationship between Australia and the Philippines has warmed significantly after Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely's comment about Duterte's behavior during the 2016 elections.