(Eagle News) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte flies off to Japan on Tuesday, (October 25) to renew and strengthen ties with the country which he says he has so much respect for.
In a news conference after delivering a speech before his flight to Japan, Duterte said his trip to Japan was a “defining moment” in the bilateral relations of the two countries.
During his three-day working visit, he will meet with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and His Majesty Emperor Akihito to bolster the strategic partnership between the two countries.
They will also discuss bilateral exchanges about security, economic and defense cooperation, and infrastructure development.
Duterte said he has “a high regard” for Japan.
The President said his courtesy call to Emperor Akihito was significant as it “affirms at the highest level” the relationship between the Philippines and Japan.
The visit “renews (our) shared commitment founded on mutual respect, dignity and solidarity.”
“Ours is an abiding partnership with Japan,” the President said.
He said he is going to Japan with the full trust that it would respect the Philippine foreign policy.
“As I seek to advance our national interest in this official visit to Japan, I will remain true to my sworn oath as Philippine president,” he said.
And in a light moment, when a journalist from Japan asked him which country he loves more – China or Japan, Duterte replied: “Between China and Japan, I love the Philippines more.”
