(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte thanked Japan for its growing interest and confidence in the Philippines as a preferred trade and investment destination, as the country committed around 25 billion yen for the development of Mindanao.
He also expressed his appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo for his continued support for his administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
Duterte, who came back to the country from his four-day successful Japan trip on Saturday, said that Japan is also giving importance to Mindanao, the region where he came from, which had been lagging in terms of assistance before he became president.
“I thank Prime Minister Abe for the importance his government attaches to the Mindanao and its commitment to achieve just and lasting peace and a sustainable development for the people of Mindanao,” President Duterte said during the joint press event with the Japanese leader last Friday.
“Japan’s comprehensive development assistance is nothing short of exemplary in quality and concessionality. It is the gold standard for the Philippines’ development cooperation with partner countries. I am grateful for Japan’s fresh commitment of around 25 billion yen for the development of Mindanao’s road network, vocational training facilities and equipment, and other projects,” he said.
Duterte is the first Philippine president who hails from Mindanao.
The two leaders had a bilateral meeting before issuing joint statements to the media.
President Duterte said among the issues discussed were modalities for greater cooperation in upgrading the Philippines’ defense capabilities, including maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
Both countries explored opportunities to tap the Philippines’ demographic complementarity to drive growth in their economies, including the possibility of Japan opening its doors to foreign skilled workers.
“And I am pleased with the growing interest and confidence in the Philippines as a preferred trade and investment destination by Japanese businesses,” the President said on possible Japanese investments in the Philippines.
Other challenges were also tackled during the bilateral meeting including regional maritime security, non-traditional threats, the Korean Peninsula peace efforts, free trade, and the advancement of rule of law.
The President also conveyed the Filipino people’s deepest respect and appreciation to Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
With the accession of Emperor Naruhito, President Duterte expects renewed confidence that Japan’s ties with the Philippines and with the rest of the world will be characterized by beautiful harmony.
-Abe vows continued support for Duterte projects-
Japan’s Prime Minister Abe vowed to continue supporting projects being promoted by the President such as the peace process in Mindanao and infrastructure development.
Japan will strengthen its support to the Mindanao peace process so that the Moro people can truly feel and enjoy the peace dividend at the earliest possible time, Abe said.
For infrastructure development, Abe made a commitment for continued backing of sustainable economic development of the Philippines through assistance in quality projects.
At the same time, he welcomed the decision of the Philippine government to lift the import suspension on fishery products from Fukushima prefecture prior to the President’s visit to Japan.
He made an assurance on the safety of Japan’s agriculture, forestry, and fishery products from Fukushima.
“With another milestone reached today, I look forward to working hand in hand with President Duterte to further deepen the bond of friendship between Japan and the Philippines and to contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity,” Abe added.
Abe hosted a banquet for President Duterte at the Prime Minister’s residence on Friday, the last day of President Duterte’s trip to Japan.
Duterte returned to the Philippines early Saturday, June 1.
He brought home P300 billion worth of business deals and aid from the East Asian country.
During Duterte’s visit at least P288 billion worth of business deals were signed, while another P12 billion was granted by the Japanese government to help fund development projects in Mindanao. (with a PND report)
