Duterte accepts PM Shinzo Abe’s invite to visit Japan

Duterte accepts PM Shinzo Abe’s invite to visit Japan

President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to visit Japan.

The invite was expressed during the bilateral meeting between the Philippines and Japan on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

The news was confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a press release.

Meanwhile, Abe has agreed to provide two large-sized patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to the Philippines amid territorial disputes with China.

He also said that Japan will continue to participate in the socio-economic development and provision of quality infrastructure in the Philippines. Commitment to promote regional peace and stability and cooperate in counter-terrorism measures were also reiterated by the Japanese Prime Minister.

In their opening statements, Abe first extended his condolences to Duterte for the bombing of Roxas Night Market in Davao City.

Duterte then thanked Abe for the the assistance of Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) to the country, especially in his home city.

“For so many years, JICA has been there. Japan has been kind enough to extend us all the assistance for further development in our country," Duterte said.

But he also pointed out that Philippines' is exporting more to Japan than ever before.

"And so, the trade balance surplus is in our favor and maybe Japan has—we saw to it that we are good partner also to our partner economy ... We know that Japan is one of our friendly neighbors," Duterte noted.

As the President said he appreciates Japan's commitment to attain peace and development in Bangsamoro region, Duterte also extended the country's willingness to stand by Japan in the matter of the security of the Korean Peninsula.

"And we hope that we can work together for a better and a greater, peaceful area," Duterte said.

'Famous in Japan'

But before they delved into the common issues of both countries, Abe provided an icebreaker by telling Duterte he is famous in Japan.

“Mr. President is quite a famous figure also in Japan and I’m very excited to see you in person,” Abe said.

Presidential peace adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza in a Facebook post said that Abe’s remark made the people inside the room laugh. — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News

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