MANILA — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has emphasized his continuing respect and support to President Rodrigo Duterte and to the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership, particularly in the field of security and infrastructure development.
Abe conveyed his message to the Filipino leader through his Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs Katsuyuki Kawai who paid a courtesy call on President Duterte at the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday that Kawai stressed the importance placed by Tokyo on expanding and deepening further its relations with Manila.
Roque said Kawai also conveyed support to ongoing programs of the Duterte administration particularly the counter terrorism, Build Build Build program and Marawi rebuilding.
“He stressed further the value of strategic partnership of Japan and the Philippines and in pursuing shared goals for the region,” Roque said.
In response, Roque said President Duterte had reaffirmed the need to further deepen and expand the Philippines-Japan cooperation on fields of mutual importance.
Roque said Duterte emphasized the significance of working together with Japan to advance security and development in the region.
Duterte also thanked Japan for its support for the security and development agenda of the Philippine government.
In October last year, Duterte visited Japan where he met Abe and Japanese Emperor Akihito.
Duterte described his Japan trip as “most productive and engaging” where he discussed with the Japanese leader concrete ways that would further intensify bilateral relations between Philippines and Japan. (PNA)
