Japan assured the Philippines that it will maintain its good relations with the country despite changes in leadership and foreign policy under President Rodrigo Duterte.
“As far as our bilateral relations is concerned, despite of the change of the presidency in this country, we can maintain very good relations and I’m sure that we can continue to maintain our good relations with President Duterte and his administration as well,” said Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission Atsushi Ueno.
And though the Philippines has become controversial nowadays owing to the Duterte administration’s shift in foreign policy that saw the cutting of military and economic ties with America while strengthening the alliance with China and Russia, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is willing to listen to the explanation of President Duterte.
After the state visit of President Duterte to Brunei and China, he will go to Japan for an official visit from October 25 to 27.
The visit aims to intensify the economic ties between the Philippines and Japan.
“The official visit is seen to further bolster the strong strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. A bold scope of bilateral discussions between the president and Japanese leaders will include security, economic and defense cooperation, infrastructure development and development projects in Mindanao, among others,” said PCO Operations and Special Concerns Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag.
Japan is the largest official development assistance partner of the Philippines.
In Japan, Duterte is also expected to face the Filipino community as well as Japanese top business leaders.
There is a scheduled summit meeting between the president and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
A dinner has also been prepared for the two heads of state.
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