Prime Minister Abe arrived in the Philippines on January 12, becoming the first foreign leader to visit since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last year and launched his deadly war on crime. / AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS
(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed in Malacanang on Thursday (January 12) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who is in the Philippines for a two-day official visit, becoming the first state leader to visit the country since the Philippine leader took office last year.
“I am pleased to welcome Prime Minister Abe to Manila. As you all must and should be aware, he is the very first head of government to officially visit the Philippines under my term. And tomorrow, Prime Minister Abe will be the first leader that I will receive in Davao as President,” President Duterte said as he issued his statement after their bilateral meeting with the Japanese leader in Malacanang.
The President described the Prime Minister’s visit as “historic” as it “set the bar for constructive engagements” and renewed the commitments of the two Asian leaders in the further strengthening of their “solid and strategic partnership.”
“I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest,” President Duterte said.
https://youtu.be/4dWtpBlP6KE
-Japan PM puts emphasis on Philippines, Duterte friendship –
For his part, Prime Minister Abe said he was “grateful for the heartwarming welcome and hospitality” extended by Mr. Duterte.
“I’m very happy to meet with the President here in Manila so soon after his visit to Japan last year in October and I am honored to be the first guest to be received by President. Duterte in Davao,” he said.
“In his statement, the Japanese leader said he placed much importance on the Philippines and his friendship with President Duterte which was the reason he chose to visit the country as his first destination for his overseas trips this year.
“I chose the Philippines as the first destination of my overseas visit of the year. This is demonstration of the fact that I place much emphasis on my relationship with President Duterte and with the Philippines,” he said.
-Japan PM pledges “maximum support” for ASEAN-
Prime Minister Abe also expressed support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, and promised to provide “maximum support” for the regional bloc’s success, as well as for the ASEAN meetings in the country.
Both leaders had what they called a “productive” meeting before they issued their joint statements, where several agreements of mutual cooperation were signed.
-Abe to help in Duterte govt’s fight vs illegal drugs-
Prime Minister Abe even extended his support for President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs and criminality, as he promised to explore private assistance for the setting up of treatment programs for the reformation and rehabilitation of former drug addicts.
– 1 Trillion Yen ODA assistance for 5 years for PHL
He promised a total development package of 1 trillion yen for the next five years for the Philippines through official development assistance (ODA) and private sector investment that will create various business opportunities. A joint committee on economic cooperation and infrastructure will be launched to provide a strong underpinning for nation building, Abe said.
Japan will also leverage its technology and know-how to the fullest extent to improve infrastructure in Metro Manila and the whole of the Philippines.
Mr. Abe also expressed “positive support” for peace and development in Mindanao, including the urban development of Davao City.
He also vowed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, in countering illegal drugs, and in capacity building for maritime security and cooperation.
The Prime Minister said he and President Duterte had a “frank exchange of views” on the regional landscape, and agreed to elevate to a higher level the resolution of regional challenges.
-South China Sea issue of concern to int’l community, says Abe
“The issue of the South China Sea is linked directly to regional peace and stability, and is of concern to the entire international community,” Prime Minister Abe said.
“I welcome the fact that President Duterte is making efforts to improve Sino-Philippine relations in light of the arbitral award,” he said.
The Japanese leader also stressed and affirmed the significance of the “rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, and non-militarization” which had been affirmed in previous ASEAN-related meetings.
Mr. Abe also said he is looking forward to his visit on Friday of President Duterte’s hometown in Davao, and on strengthening friendly ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Prime Minister Abe arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 around 2:50 p.m., and immediately proceeded to Malacanang where he was given arrival honors.
He was accompanied by his wife, Ms. Akie Abe, and was also welcomed by other members of the cabinet in Malacanang.
After the arrival honors at the Malacanang grounds, Prime Minister Abe and President Duterte had a bilateral meeting with other members of the cabinet and their counterparts from the Japanese delegation where agreements were firmed up for further mutual cooperation.
He also signed the official guest book in Malacanang.
Later tonight, President Duterte will host a state banquet for the Japanese leader and his delegation in Malacanang.
