United States President Donald Trump talked to the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte over a "friendly" phone call, in which the leaders discussed the "threat" from North Korea, a White House statement said. Trump also invited Duterte to Washington for a visit.
The announcement came as Duterte looks to court China, who efforts to control most of the South China Sea has alarmed its neighbours and the United States. The Philippines President has also been facing international backlash for his drug crackdown which has claimed thousands of lives.
"It was a very friendly conversation, in which the two leaders discussed the concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding regional security, including the threat posed by North Korea," the White House statement said.
US recently deployed an advanced anti-missile system to South Korea, in wake of increasing threat from nuclear-capable Pyongyang. North Korea has has carried out a total of five nuclear tests so far, and according to an expert satellite imagery analysis, Pyongyang may be preparing for a sixth test soon.
The Kim Jong-un-ruled country has also issued multiple threats of attacks to the US, South Korea and Japan, issuing the latest against US last Sunday warning the nation that the North is ready to destroy a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier deployed in Korean waters, with a single strike.
The leaders also "discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world."
Duterte has been embroiled in controversies ever since he took over as the president in June. He has encouraged citizens in Philippines to bring drug peddlers to justice in the country as part of his crackdown on suspected drug dealers and users. According to reports, over 2,800 people have been killed in this crackdown so far.
The White House statement added that Trump "enjoyed the conversation" with Duterte and looks forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.
"President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction."
