Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to Kuwait on Sunday for his “harsh” words at the height of a months-long diplomatic row over the treatment of domestic workers.
“For the first time I would say that I was harsh in my language maybe because that was a result of an emotional outburst. But I’d like to apologize now,” Duterte said Sunday while addressing Kuwait directly in a speech before expatriate Filipinos living in South Korea.
“I’m sorry for the language I was using but I’m very satisfied with how you responded to the problems of my country,” he told Kuwaiti officials.
Duterte said he hoped to visit Kuwait to express his gratitude.
“I’d like to thank the Kuwaiti government for understanding us and keeping their faith (in) us and practically (giving in) to all of my demands,” Duterte said.
He explained that his demands included giving Filipino workers a day off and seven hours of sleep each night, as well as allowing them to keep their passports and phones.
The spat began in February when a murdered Filipina maid was found in her employer’s freezer in the Gulf state, prompting Duterte to lash out at the “inhuman” treatment of migrant workers and ban workers from traveling to Kuwait.
Kuwaiti authorities expelled Manila’s envoy in April over footage showing embassy staff helping Filipino workers flee allegedly abusive bosses in Kuwait.
Tensions cooled in May after the two nations sealed an agreement on workplace safety guarantees for Filipinos working in Kuwait, prompting Duterte to lift the employment ban.
