By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte has reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong ties with Japan during his meeting with Special Adviser for Foreign Affairs Katsuyaki Kawai.
According to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, Duterte reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership of the two countries during Kawai’s courtesy call to the President Wednesday afternoon.
Duterte also highlighted the need to further deepen and expand cooperation on fields of mutual importance.
The President also emphasized the significance of working together with Japan to advance security and development in the region as he thanked the Asian giant for its support to the security and development agenda of the Philippines.
Kawai, on the other hand, conveyed the continuing respect for and support of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Philippine President.
According to Roque, Abe’s adviser stressed the importance placed by Japan on further expanding and deepening relations with the Philippines.
The Japanese official also conveyed support to ongoing programs, including counterterrorism, the ambitions “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, and the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
“ stressed further the value of strategic partnership of Japan and the Philippines, and in pursuing shared goals for the region,” Roque said.
Earlier this week, Duterte thanked Japan for its consistent assistance to the Philippines in more ways than one.
“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the so many things that your country has done for us,” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City, addressing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda.
Since assuming Presidency, Duterte has visited Japan in 2016 and 2017.
During the 2017 visit, Japan pledged to put in over US$ 1 billion for three infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
Duterte was also able to have an audience with Japanese Emperor Akihito, who will abdicate on April, 2018, and his wife Empress Michiko.