Meeting Putin, Philippine President Praises Russia As ‘Great Country,’ Criticizes West

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (file photo)

Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte has praised Russia as a "great country" in his first meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders held talks on November 19 on the sidelines of a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group in Lima, Peru.

Duterte lashed out at Western "bullying" and "hypocrisy" and said when it came to alliances, the United States could not be trusted.

Putin congratulated Duterte on his May election victory and said the Philippine leader had already done a lot to build trust and confidence between Russia and the Philippines.

Duterte has made repeated threats and verbal tirades against the United States, a longtime ally.

Prior to leaving for Peru, he said if Russia and China decided to create a "new order" in the world, he would be first to join.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters