MANILA—Malacañang on Saturday welcomed planned talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the possible talks made President Rodrigo Duterte happy and hopeful that they would avert the escalation of conflict.
"We welcome po this dialogue between the head of North Korea and President Trump. Si Presidente Duterte po noong ASEAN, noong APEC . . . paulit-ulit po niyang sinasabi na wala pong interes na magkaroon ng giyera dito sa ating rehiyon," Roque said in a press briefing in Alimodian town, Iloilo.
"Kaya ang inaasahan po niya, ang mga hindi pinagkakasunduan ng Amerika at ng North Korea, mapag-uusapan."
The White House had earlier said Trump has agreed to meet with Kim amid the 2 countries' nuclear standoff.
In a tweet, Trump said the deal with North Korea is underway and will be "very good" for the world.