Palace spokesman cites “good” relationship between Duterte and Abe

January 14, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have a “good” relationship which reflects on his “value on relationships.”

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told government radio on Saturday that Duterte “is very Asian in putting value on relationships.”

“We can look forward to more progress  especially that our economic fronts are broadening,” Abella said.

Abe arrived in the Philippines on Thursday for a two-day official visit. The Japanese leader pledged one trillion yen over five years, including government aid and public  investments to help its  infrastructure development.

Abe proceed to Davao City where he was invited by Duterte to have breakfast in his home on Friday before meeting businessmen, naming a Philippine eagle and visiting a school for Japanese-Filipino children. Abe and his wife left Davao noon Friday for Sydney. Robina Asido/DMS