Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte described his phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday as "encouraging," according to his aide after the two leaders had a very "engaging and  animated" talk.  

Duterte called Trump on Friday evening to congratulate him on his victory and Trump wished him "success" in his fight against drug.

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PH-US Relations Seems Improving

The "strained" Philippine-US relations seems improving after the Duterte-Trump phone conversation, a Malacañang official said Saturday. Duterte allegedly felt a rapport between them and gave assurance that their ties remain intact, despite a period of rocky relations.

Duterte said in his office release that "I could sense a good rapport, an animated President-elect Trump. And he was wishing me success in my campaign against the drug problem."

Trump was "sensitive" and understanding about his crackdown and was encouraged by what he interpreted as Trump's indication that he would not interfere, he added.

A statement issued by Trump's team said Duterte congratulated the US president-elect and the two leaders  "noted the long history of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, and agreed that the two nations would continue to work together closely on matters of shared interest and concern."

Trump to visit Philippines in 2017

During the conversation, Trump invited Duterte to visit him in the White House and in return Duterte also invited Trump to attend the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, which will be hosted by the Philippines.

Both presidents have been known for their controversial statements, with Duterte being called the "Trump of the East," while Trump has also been branded as the "Duterte of the West."

A statement from the Malacañang said, Duterte "looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law."

Duterte said Trump extended his "warmest regards to the Filipino people."

Tagsdonald trump, President Rodrigo Duterte, Phone Conversation, animated, ASEAN