Sara, Japanese lawmaker vow to strengthen bilateral ties

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte and a Japanese member of parliament have affirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan by pursuing more developmental projects.

Rep. Koichi Hagiuda, who visited the country, met with Duterte on Sunday to express the Japanese government’s support for development projects in communities to spur economic growth.

Hagiuda said his visit was aligned with Japan’s decades-long ties with the countries under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Philippines was one of five countries that founded the ASEAN in 1967.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation and on this occasion, I chose the Philippines as the destination to visit, which is a strategic partner of Japan for more than 10 years,” Hagiuda said.

In a statement, the Office of the Vice President said Duterte and Hagiuda discussed security and economic cooperation, especially on infrastructure projects that would maximize the economic potential of the Philippines and provide better opportunities for the people.

“In terms of economic cooperation, Japan supported former president Duterte’s infrastructure project Build, Build, Build through public-private assistance. Japan is a development partner that will fulfill its commitment,” Hagiuda said.

“Our Liberal Democratic Party would like to give full support to study the implementation of ODA (official development assistance) projects to achieve the goals of the Build Better More plan proposed by President Marcos following Build Build Build,” he added.