Duterte thanks Abe for dev't assistance

TOKYO – President Duterte yesterday thanked Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for Japan’s development assistance to the Philippines as he highlighted the need for the two countries to work together to achieve a prosperous region.

Duterte said Japan has vowed to provide about 25-billion yen for various projects including the development of Mindanao’s road network, vocational training facilities and equipment.

He also welcomed Japan’s reaffirmation of support to his flagship infrastructure program Build Build Build.

“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,” the President said after his meeting with Abe here.

“I thanked Prime Minister Abe for the importance his government attaches to Mindanao and its commitment to achieve just and lasting peace and a sustainable development for the people of Mindanao,” he added.

Duterte said he and Abe have rededicated themselves to the common vision of a stable, free and prosperous Asian region.

“Nothing less can be expected when friends closer than brothers meet,” the President said.

“With the world undergoing profound transformations brought about by power shifts, rapid globalization and technological advancement, we need to find a new equilibrium. Our region must be able to maintain its gains so that we can achieve the promise of an Asian century,” he added.

Duterte said there has been a marked increase in Philippine-Japanese engagements across the full spectrum of their relations since his last visit in 2017.

“This is unprecedented. And it must be sustained,” the President said.

The two leaders discussed modalities for greater cooperation in upgrading the Philippines’ defense capabilities, including in maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

“We discussed challenges to regional maritime security, non-traditional threats, ongoing efforts to secure peace in the Korean Peninsula and supporting free trade and advancing the rule of law,” Duterte said.

The two leaders also agreed to explore opportunities to tap demographic complementarity to drive growth in the two countries’ economies, including the possibility of Japan opening its doors to foreign skilled workers.

“I am pleased with the growing interest and confidence in the Philippines as a preferred trade and investment destination by Japanese businesses,” he said.

Duterte also condoled with the victims of the mass stabbing incident in Kawasaki, which left two persons dead.

He also greeted Japanese Emperor Naruhito who ascended to the throne in May.