Duterte talks to Obama
VIENTIANE, Laos – Presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Barack Obama finally met each other Wednesday night at the holding room where Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders and their dialogue partners were assembled before their “family photo” was taken and prior to their attendance to the scheduled gala dinner.
“I am confirming that they met,” Foreign Secretary Pefecto Yasay told reporters.
Yasay said: “I am happy. This shows that the relationship between the two allies is strong.”
According to Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Charles Jose, this positive development was relayed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza who was present at the holding room when the 2-3 minute talk between the two leaders transpired.
”Palagay ko naayos na ang gusot (I think the misunderstanding has been resolved),” Jose told reporters
covering the ASEAN summit here.
It was not immediately known what the two leaders discussed during the brief meeting.
Gala dinner Meanwhile, at the gala dinner, ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners were treated to a night of good food and entertainment at a gala dinner Wednesday following a long day of talks and bilateral meetings during the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summit being held here.
Hosted by Lao Prime Minister and ASEAN 2016 chair Thongloun Sisoulith, the ASEAN and East Asia Summit heads of state and government, the United Nations Secretary-General and delegates to summits savored the delectable dinner and were entertained by cultural arts performances by Lao national artists, renowned singers and dancers.
Dinner included Crispy Fourme d’Ambert cheese, one of France’s oldest cheeses dating from as far back as Roman times, and nashi pear tartlet, caramel and spices for starter.
For the main course, roasted New Zealand beef with Xiengkrouang pepper sauce with pommes darphin in herbs; pan seared Mekong perch fillet with white butter sauce; and a mixture of cooked, roasted and steamed vegetable with parmesan chips and balsamic dressing were served.
For dessert, the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners were treated with sorbet made from a rare species of wild mango that only grows in Laos and neighboring regions of Thailand served on top of dark chocolate mousse.
After a hearty dinner, the leaders and guests were mesmerized by the performances prepared by Lao national artists, singers and dancers.
The Lao national artists who lend their talent for the gala dinner program included Lamthong Phothivong and Paserth Syxanon.
The leaders were serenaded by musical artists such as classical musician Lotchana Anoulak, Kaikeo Larsyma and Souliya Chanthavysay.