Duterte calls up Abe to convey best wishes

September 8, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte personally conveyed his best wishes to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a telephone conversation on Monday afternoon.

The Office of Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said that Duterte, during the 25-minute phone call, hailed Abe for his contribution in the strengthened bilateral relations of the Philippines and Japan and advancing peace and security in Asia Pacific.

"President Duterte personally conveyed his best wishes for Prime Minister's valuable contribution in the strengthening of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership," it said.

Abe expressed his intention to resign from office on August 28 due to health reasons. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to hold its election for Abe's successor on September 14.

Duterte also lauded Abe for his leadership and vision that paved the way for Japan's proactive contribution to peace in the Asia Pacific, advancing regional security and the rule of law especially in the maritime commons.

The OPAFA said the President thanked Abe for Japan's pledge of one trillion yen in total aid for 2017 until 2022.

Duterte said Japan's aid has helped the Philippines' Build, Build, Build Program, including the Metro Manila Subway project, which is now ongoing.

"President Duterte conveyed that the Philippines wants to sustain its robust economic ties with Japan through the immediate completion of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement General Review," OPAFA said.

Duterte also thanked Japan for its support for the Philippines' COVID-19 response, including the two loan agreements aimed at boosting the country's capacity to restart the economy while addressing public health challenges posed by the pandemic.

According to OPAFA, Abe assured Duterte that Japan will continue to strengthen its Strategic Partnership with the Philippines.

The outgoing Japanese official also recalled his visits in the Philippines, including his trip to Davao City where he went to Duterte's private residence in 2017. Celerina Monte/DMS