Duterte invites Japanese Prime Minister Suga to visit the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte invited Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to visit the Philippines “as soon as circumstances allow.”

Duterte extended his invitation during a 25-minute “tele-summit” between the two leaders on Monday, according to a press release released by the Office of the President (OP).

“Japan is a valuable partner of the Philippines. As a friend closer than a brother, ours is an exemplary association that has stood the test of time, ”Duterte said in OP’s press release.

Next year, the two countries will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of Strategic Partnership.

Duterte thanked Japan for its continued support of the Mindanao peace and development agenda and the administration’s “Build Build Build” program, citing the 36-kilometer Metro Manila Metro, which is financed through a loan provided by the Agency for Japan International Cooperation.

Duterte also expressed appreciation for Japan’s $ 3.16 million emergency assistance, two substantial loans for the Philippines pandemic recovery efforts, and for facilitating the repatriation of 3,852 Filipinos from Japan during the coronavirus pandemic.

He also highlighted the growing cooperation in maritime security and defense between the Philippines and Japan, as he exchanged views with Suga on regional issues, involving the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.

For his part, Suga conveyed Japan’s interest in working closely with the Philippines to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

He also reiterated Japan’s support for the Build, Build, Build program in the Philippines and the Mindanao peace process.

The Japanese leader also expressed hope that the establishment of the Consulate General of Japan in Cebu in January 2021 will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan.

KGA

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