President Rodrigo Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Shinzō Abe share a light moment during the declaration of joint statement following the expanded bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Japan on Oct. 26. (REY BANIQUET/PPD)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Upon his arrival from his three-day visit to Japan, President Rodrigo Duterte described that the relationship of the Philippines and a US’ ally is excellent.
Duterte said his meetings in Tokyo were productive and that he talked about points of collaborations with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, including in economic, socio-political, security and defense cooperation.
“By all counts and by any measure, Philippines-Japan ties today are excellent. But we agreed that we can take things to a higher level by harnessing our respective strengths and using these so both our economies can further grow and our countries can continue to play their rightful role in the region,” Duterte said Thursday night.
Before going to Japan, Duterte visited China, a country where both the Philippines and Japan have concerns on disputed sea claims. Japan and China are engaged in a territorial dispute over East China Sea. Meanwhile, the arbitral tribunal ruled that the Philippines has sovereign rights over areas that are within China’s nine-dash line including the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank.
Duterte said Japan and the Philippines “have bilateral and multilateral venues at our disposal to ensure that commitments and responsibilities are complied with under international law.”
“As countries that share the values of democracy, adherence to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes, the Philippines and Japan agreed to work closely to advance a rules-based regime to maintain stability and security in our region,” he said.
Duterte said as part of the cooperation on defense, Japan will play a vital role in modernizing the country’s maritime capacity.
“The acquisition of more maritime and air capability assets are crucial in addressing traditional and emerging threats to our nations, including piracy, criminality at sea and terrorism, as well as in responding to disasters,” he said.
As top trading partner of the Philippines, investment deals in manufacturing and agriculture were also signed.
Aside from business deals, Japan also remains as the Philippines’ top partner in Official Development Assistance. Duterte said he received Japan’s aid “for the peace and development agenda in Mindanao.” (davaotoday.com)
