{"id":127771,"date":"2017-10-31T06:31:50","date_gmt":"2017-10-31T10:31:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=127771"},"modified":"2017-10-31T06:31:50","modified_gmt":"2017-10-31T10:31:50","slug":"ph-japan-reaffirm-commitment-to-mutual-ties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2017\/10\/31\/ph-japan-reaffirm-commitment-to-mutual-ties\/","title":{"rendered":"PH-Japan reaffirm commitment to mutual ties"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"President<\/a>
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands after delivering their joint press statement following the summit meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on October 30, 2017. RICHARD MADELO\/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tokyo, Japan\u00a0— The Philippines and Japan vowed to further strengthen bilateral partnership and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest during the second official visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte here.<\/p>\n

In a statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday, October 30, President Duterte reiterated the Philippines\u2019 strong commitment to the strategic partnership with Japan.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur commitment and resolve show the desire to further expand cooperative ties. I dare say that, considering what we have accomplished and achieved, the Philippines and Japan are building a golden age of our Strategic Partnership,\u201d Duterte said.<\/p>\n

The President described his discussion with the Japanese premier as \u201cvery warm, open and comprehensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Strategic Partners, cooperation between the Philippines and Japan is expansive and multi-dimensional. Both sides recognized today that there is still ample room for even more significant growth in all areas of mutual concern,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said he was pleased with Japan\u2019s reiteration of its full commitment to \u201cgive flesh\u201d to the 1 trillion yen or close to nine billion dollars pledge of assistance to the Philippines to boost economic and infrastructure development in the next five years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis covers huge impact and high value infrastructure projects that my country needs to sustain and spur our economic growth. There will be some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects, including the Metro Manila Subway project, and major developments in the regions and provinces,\u201d Duterte said.<\/p>\n

He said the Philippines is ready to work with other Japanese companies as \u201cnew partners for growth\u201d.<\/p>\n

Duterte likewise thanked Japan for its continuing assistance in other areas such as countering terrorism and violent extremism, defense, capacity building, combatting illegal drugs and pursuing lasting peace in Mindanao.<\/p>\n

The Chief Executive also extended his gratitude to Japan for its support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of strife-torn Marawi City.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, therefore, fitting and proper, that after the liberation of Marawi City from the grip of Maute terrorists, my first Official Visit overseas takes place in Japan — a true friend who has stood squarely behind the Philippines in my country\u2019s onward advance [to] greater peace, progress and prosperity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He also recognized the need to address issues confronting the region particularly the continuing missile launch test of North Korea.<\/p>\n

“We condemn these tests and call on all concerned stakeholders to return to the negotiating table to peacefully resolve the situation,” he said.<\/p>\n

For his part, Prime Minister Abe said it was a great honor to welcome Duterte whom he described as \u201cdear and cherished friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pledged to provide \u201cmaximum support\u201d for the restoration of Marawi and further strengthen support for Mindanao\u2019s peace and development and its efforts toward the establishment of an autonomous government.<\/p>\n

Abe also vowed to expedite the construction of a subway in Metro Manila and improving projects for the North South Commuter Rail.<\/p>\n

He said Japan would implement medium to long term action plans related to illegal drugs and measures for maritime safety, terrorism and security.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will proceed with cooperation to enhance coastal surveillance capacity building. And we will further provide support to strengthen safety in Sulu and Celebes Seas and other parts of the region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI conformed with President Duterte that we are both maritime nations sharing basic values and strategic interests. And as such, Japan and the Philippines will cooperate to address common issues such as North Korea nuclear and missile issue and the only resolution of the abduction issue and realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific and also counter measures against terrorism and illegal drugs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to work hand in hand with my close friend President Duterte to further deepen the bonds of friendship between our two countries and we\u2019ll cooperate towards peace and prosperity of the region and international community,\u201d he further said.<\/p>\n

The two leaders also vowed to further promote bilateral cooperation in energy, employment creation, information and communication technology, environment, agriculture and disaster reduction.<\/p>\n

The Japanese premier likewise pledged his \u201cfull support\u201d to the Philippines\u2019 Chairmanship of ASEAN this year hoping that all meetings would be successful.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will provide full support to ASEAN\u2019s attempts to strengthen unity and centrality and its attempts to develop a free and open community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Before the Joint Press Event, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and his counterpart Foreign Minister Taro Kono signed the Exchange of Notes on Yen Loan for the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project.<\/p>\n

Duterte also witnessed the signing of 18 Letters of Intent (LOI) from Japan\u2019s private sector, estimated at US$6 billion worth of investments.\u2029\u2029Separate courtesy calls were also made by Mr. Katsuyuki Kawai, member of the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Kono, and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Shinichi Kitaoka.<\/p>\n

Before departing Tuesday, the President is scheduled to have an audience with the Japanese Imperial couple, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m grateful for the kindness and compassion of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko when Their Majesties visited the Philippines last year during the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations. I am eager to convey my deep respect and admiration for His Majesty,\u201d said Duterte.<\/p>\n

This is the second official visit of Duterte in Japan upon the invitation of Prime Minister Abe. He said he was honored to be the first ASEAN Head of State and Government to visit Tokyo after Abe\u2019s sweeping victory in the snap elections.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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