Inks defense, business agreements; secures pledge for Build, Build, Build program
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in the country on Tuesday night, after what he described as a “most productive and engaging” two-day visit to Japan.
According to the President, he discussed with his “good friend” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “concrete, time-bound and specific ways to further intensifying bilateral cooperation.”
He said on top of both leaders’ agenda was “vital support for the centerpiece projects under the Philippines’ Build, Build, Build program–social infrastructure projects that our country needs to sustain economic growth and improve the quality of life of our people.”
“Many more projects will be rolled off under Japan’s trillion yen, or close to 9 billion dollars, pledge of assistance. Prime Minister Abe committed to give flesh to Japan’s assistance program,” he said.
He said on his part, he was “committed to work(ing) closely with (Abe) to ensure that projects proceed soonest and will be done, done, done.”
Defense
According to the President, the Philippines and Japan will also “intensify defense and security cooperation to combat terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes.”
“We will strive to make our waters free and open to our peoples so we can enjoy our rich natural maritime resources,” he said.
The President also thanked Japan for “reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines’ just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” noting that the country will “be the (Philippines’) partner once again in rebuilding (the city) as the center of moderation and tolerance.”
Economic cooperation
In the field of economics, the President said he met with industry leaders in Tokyo.
The leaders, he said, “signed business agreements valued at 6 billion dollars,” an amount which he said was “more than three times the amount of sealed business agreements during (his) first visit to Japan in 2016.”
“On economic cooperation, we encourage Japan to explore more opportunities to invest in the Philippines including steel manufacturing, agribusiness and IT and creative services,” Duterte said, also noting that he looked forward to welcoming Abe and other members of the Philippine-Asean Summit “on the sides.”
Meeting with Emperor Akihito
Duterte said during his “humbl(ing)” meeting with Emperor Akihito, he “conveyed to his Majesty our nation’s and people’s deep appreciation, gratitude for Japan’s continuing friendship and support to the Philippines peace and development goals.”
“We want our relations with Japan to grow even more. Japan is our friend closer than a brother. Japan treats us as its equal. The Philippines will work with Japan in building something special for our nations and peoples. We are building a golden age for our strategic partnership,” he said.
