NEW YORK, New York (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – Just hours after The White House announced that President Barack Obama had cancelled his meeting in Laos with Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he is meeting the tough-talking Philippine president next week.

Obama cancelled his meeting with Duterte following statements from the Filipino leader that he will not entertain any questions from the U.S. regarding alleged human rights violations related to his domestic war on drugs.

Trump said, “Well, if Obama is not willing to talk to Duterte, then I will. Let’s see who is the better diplomat, Obama or I !”

It will be recalled that Trump recently visited Mexico and personally met with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, the day before he delivered his major immigration policy speech in Arizona.

“I think Duterte and I will get along well together,” Trump said. “He can curse me all he wants.  It wouldn’t bother me.  Together, we can make both America and the Philippines great again.”

In a previous campaign speech, Trump lumped the Philippines with countries that harbor terrorists.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at the MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.