Japan reiterates strengthening ties with Philippines

TOKYO – After meeting with President Duterte here last Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to continue supporting the Duterte administration’s infrastructure, peace and development efforts and to further strengthen its ties with the Philippines.

Japan is the top provider of official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, providing a total of $5.84 billion as of the end of September, according to official data. It is also the fifth largest provider of ODA grants during the same period, with total assistance of $141.33 million.

The Philippines and Japan would also strengthen their cooperation on defense policy and capacity building.

“Our two countries as strategic partners are closely cooperating in the area of security as well. While we will continue to engage in joint exercises and provide support in capacity building, we also intend to deepen our dialogue on the policy front,” Abe said.

He noted that Japan and the Philippines share basic values and strategic interests, both being maritime nations. 

Abe said Manila and Tokyo would seek to strengthen their defense partnership as they face challenges such as the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions toward the denuclearization of North Korea and early resolution of the abduction issue.

Japan also welcomed the Philippines’ decision to lift the import suspension of fishery products from Fukushima prefecture before Duterte’s visit here.

“Safety of agriculture, forestry and fishery products of Fukushima is ensured through thorough inspections and other measures,” Abe said.

“Our government will continue to make utmost efforts to push for relaxation or removal of import restrictions imposed by some countries and wipe out the hurtful rumors,” he added.

Abe also congratulated Duterte for the victory of the administration coalition during the midterm elections. He said this was “a manifestation of the tremendous support shown to the President’s track record during the past three years.”

Abe expressed hope that the Philippines and Japan would boost their ties and work toward regional and global development.

“With another milestone reached today, I look forward to working hand in hand with President Duterte to further deepen the bond of friendship between Japan and the Philippines and to contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity,” he said.

Duterte returned to Manila yesterday after a successful meeting with Abe and his participation in the 25th Nikkei International Conference on The Future of Asia. 

Citing the challenge of climate change at the conference, Duterte said the destruction caused by natural disasters is more painful for developing nations and for the poorest of the poor.

He urged greater accountability among developed countries, stressing that “when the lives of millions hang in the balance, there has got to be a way.” – With Christina Mendez