Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (L) shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (R) before the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila, Philippines, 13 November 2017. REUTERS/Mark R. Cristino/Pool

MANILA (Reuters) - Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said he raised the issue of human rights and extrajudicial killings during a conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who was “receptive” to his comments.

Human rights groups had called on leaders at an Asian summit in Manila to pressure Duterte over the thousands of Filipinos killed during his 16-month-old crackdown on illegal drugs.

Trudeau said Canada had a reputation for being frank in discussing issues like the rule of law and human rights with partners everywhere.

“I also mentioned human rights, rule of law and specifically extra judicial killings as being an issue that Canada is concerned with,” he told a news conference in Manila.

“I will always bring that up. The president was receptive to my comments and it was throughout a very cordial and positive exchange.”