MANILA, Philippines - To renew Japan ties with the Philippines, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went to Manila for a two-day official visit.
Japan’s head of state, along with his wife Akie Abe and his delegates, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday, January 12 at around 2:50 p.m. aboard a Japanese Air Force plane from Tokyo.
To welcome the first head of government to visit the Philippines under his administration, President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a ceremonial dinner for the Japanese leader.
The two state leaders emphasized their commitment in strengthening bilateral ties as well as promoting regional peace. As part of the efforts, an exchange of notes on a ₱256-M grant for high-speed patrol boats for the Philippine Coast Guard took place during the said ceremony.
Japan to create business opportunities in PH
Aside from the fact that Japan will be supporting Duterte’s crusade against illegal drugs, Japanese Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura revealed that Japan will help create business opportunities in the country.
"Japan will support to create business opportunities approximately 1 trillion yen ($8.66 billion) level for over the next five years, including a Japanese ODA, Official Development Assistance and private investments for the Philippines,” he said.
Having fun at Duterte’s hometown
On Friday morning, January 13, Abe was given the opportunity to visit Duterte’s modest house in Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina District, Davao City. Abe and his party joined Duterte and other officials for breakfast and devoured in local delicacies like suman, biko, kutsinta and mongo soup, Duterte’s favorite dish.
In his Facebook account, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go shared photos of the visit.
“Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inside the simple home of Pres.Duterte. We also showed him how the President enjoys the comfort of his own bed, including his old and favorite mosquito net,” he wrote in the caption of the photos.
Following Abe’s visit to Duterte’s home, the Japanese leader adopted a Philippine Eagle he named “Sakura” or cherry blossoms. Abe also got to taste durian, a fruit associated with Davao City.
More than brothers
Kawamura said Abe’s trip to Davao City is a clear reflection of the existing trust between the two heads of state.
“Japan and the Philippines are not simply friends but we are more than that. We are more than brothers,” Kawamura said.
--Mini, The Summit Express
Japan’s head of state, along with his wife Akie Abe and his delegates, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday, January 12 at around 2:50 p.m. aboard a Japanese Air Force plane from Tokyo.
To welcome the first head of government to visit the Philippines under his administration, President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a ceremonial dinner for the Japanese leader.
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| Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is the first head of government to visit the Philippines under the Duterte administration. PHOTO CREDIT: ABS-CBN News |
Japan to create business opportunities in PH
Aside from the fact that Japan will be supporting Duterte’s crusade against illegal drugs, Japanese Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura revealed that Japan will help create business opportunities in the country.
"Japan will support to create business opportunities approximately 1 trillion yen ($8.66 billion) level for over the next five years, including a Japanese ODA, Official Development Assistance and private investments for the Philippines,” he said.
Having fun at Duterte’s hometown
On Friday morning, January 13, Abe was given the opportunity to visit Duterte’s modest house in Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina District, Davao City. Abe and his party joined Duterte and other officials for breakfast and devoured in local delicacies like suman, biko, kutsinta and mongo soup, Duterte’s favorite dish.
In his Facebook account, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go shared photos of the visit.
“Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inside the simple home of Pres.Duterte. We also showed him how the President enjoys the comfort of his own bed, including his old and favorite mosquito net,” he wrote in the caption of the photos.
Following Abe’s visit to Duterte’s home, the Japanese leader adopted a Philippine Eagle he named “Sakura” or cherry blossoms. Abe also got to taste durian, a fruit associated with Davao City.
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| Japan PM Abe receives a framed photo of “Sakura”, a Philippine Eagle he adopted during his visit to PH. PHOTO CREDIT: Inquirer |
Kawamura said Abe’s trip to Davao City is a clear reflection of the existing trust between the two heads of state.
“Japan and the Philippines are not simply friends but we are more than that. We are more than brothers,” Kawamura said.
--Mini, The Summit Express
