By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte conversed with Japan Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide over the telephone to discuss Philippine-Japan relations on Wednesday (May 19), according to a statement from the Palace.
President Duterte thanked Japan for its COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines that includes the ¥20 billion approval out of the ¥50B post-disaster standby loan and another ¥1B for cold chain development assistance.
The Philippine President also emphasized the need for the nations to cooperate on “promoting maritime domain awareness, maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and maritime connectivity and commerce.”
He also pushed for the need to “recognize and work for the peaceful settlement of disputes” and underscored that the Asia-Pacific region “cannot afford conflicts between neighbors.”
He then highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation in the Sulu and Celebes Seas to secure the areas against “piracy, terrorism, and other transnational crimes.” He added that Japan’s “increased engagement” in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is the “key” to strengthening socio-economic growth and security in these areas.
He labeled Japan an “unrivaled partner for peace and development in Mindanao.”
Prime Minister Suga expressed his support for the Philippine government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also appreciated the Philippines’ “principled position” on the 2016 arbitral ruling regarding the West Philippine Sea.
PM Suga gave the assurance that Japan will continue to support President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program. He said that the projects under the program will “significantly improve the quality of life and productivity of Filipinos.”
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to “further strengthen bilateral ties and build on the achievements of 65 years of normalized relations and 10 years of strengthened strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.”
They have also agreed to work closely to ensure “security and stability” in the Asia-Pacific region under the “rule of law.”
In the 20-minute phone call, both leaders expressed delight at seeing each other as soon as circumstances allow to “renew and reaffirm the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership and valuable ties of friends closer than brothers.” -jlo
