PH-Japan ties reach 'golden age' under Duterte admin, says Kishida

November 18 ------ Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan reached its “golden age” under the Duterte administration. This was among Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s remarks during his telephone conversation with President Duterte on Wednesday, Nov. 17. In a statement Wednesday night, Malacañang bared that the two heads of state have renewed their commitment to “further deepen the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan”.

During their talk, Duterte congratulated Kishida on his election, as well as the Government of Japan on the success of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games. The Philippine leader also recalled Kishida’s visit to Davao in August 2016 when the latter paid a courtesy call as the Japanese foreign minister. Prime Minister Kishida was the first foreign minister received by President Duterte. “Japan is unrivaled among our bilateral partners,” said Duterte, as he acknowledged Japan’s support for the administration’s Build, Build, Build program; the peace process and grassroots development in Mindanao; and the ongoing transition process of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Duterte said Japan has shown that it is “indeed a friend closer than a brother” through its timely assistance to the Philippines’ coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic response and recovery efforts. Duterte also said he looks forward to the successful implementation of projects and activities aimed at enhancing Philippines-Japan cooperation in maritime security, particularly maritime domain awareness, maritime connectivity, and preservation of the marine environment. For his part, Kishida said Philippines-Japan relations have indeed reached its golden age under President Duterte’s tenure. He said Japan will continue supporting the Philippines’ peace and development agenda in Mindanao; the Build, Build, Build program; and efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: mb.com.ph