Abe’s new mandate to further strengthen Philippine-Japan ties, says Roque

November 2, 2017

The Philippine government welcomed on Thursday the re-election of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque noted that the Philippines and Japan under Abe's leadership are good friends.

"We're happy that acvery good friend and ally has been given a new mandate and this could signal for the strengthening of ties between the Philippines and Japan," Roque told reporters.

A day after President Rodrigo Duterte returned to the Philippines after his two-day visit to Japan, Abe was re-elected as prime minister in the Japanese parliament.

His re-election was expected after his ruling coalition won in the last month's election.

During Duterte's visit to Tokyo, Abe reiterated Japan's support to the infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration, such as the subway, road and other railway projects.

Japan has allowed the Philippines to tap one trillion yen financial assistance for the next five years. Celerina Monte/DMS