Prime Minister’s Residence, Tokyo, Japan
May 31, 2019

Capping off his four-day visit to Japan, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with the members of the Philippine delegation, graced a banquet dinner hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Tokyo, Japan.

In the beginning of the banquet, Prime Minister Abe thanked the Philippine President for his and his long-time partner, Madame Cielito ‘Honeylet’ Avanceña’s warm hospitality when he visited their home in Davao City together with his spouse, Mrs. Akie Abe.

“It is thanks to all of your efforts and contribution that we have a wonderful and amicable Japan-Philippines relationship. May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you and ask for your continued support?” the Japanese leader said as he raised his glass for the ceremonial toast.

President Duterte on the other hand, expressed his delight for being able to visit Japan at such a momentous period, as His Majesty Emperor Naruhito accesses to the throne.

“I bring with me the Filipino nation’s best wishes for the Japanese people as they welcome the imperial era of Reiwa or ‘beautiful harmony,’” President Duterte said in his toast remarks.

The President added that the cooperation of the Philippines and Japan is “enriched by shared history, deepened by reconciliation, and fostered by noble aspirations for peoples”. He said that this partnership gives him so much optimism that the relationship between the two countries shall further grow and become an even stronger force for positive change for the peoples of the two nations and the larger Asia-Pacific region.

“Japan is a friend closer than a brother. This is no mere pronouncement. This is truth, as our actions and deeds continue to define. That is a bond marked by our honor and will endure through time,” the Chief Executive concluded.

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