Davao International Airport, Davao City
October 29, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his departure statement at the Davao International Airport for his Official Visit to Tokyo, Japan from October 30-31, 2017.

The President would undertake a two-day visit to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ and is expected to engage in dialogues for the enhancement of the two countries’ strong bilateral ties.

This is the second visit of President Duterte to Japan, the first time being on October 2016.

In his speech, the Chief Executive expressed the agenda of his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “I will discuss with him ways to significantly advance our already strong and strategic bilateral partnership, especially on matters involving socio-economic development, peace and progress in Mindanao, and the build-up of modern infrastructures in our country,” he said.

“In Tokyo, I will have an audience with His Majesty Emperor Akihito. And I will take this occasion to personally convey gratitude for Japan’s friendship with the Philippines, which has only grown stronger under His Majesty’s reign,” President Duterte added as he confirmed his meeting with the Japanese Emperor.

In his first visit to Japan last October 2016, the President’s meeting with Emperor Akihito did not push through due to the death of the Emperor’s uncle.

The Chief Executive also shared his hopes and aspirations on matters of Philippine-Japanese relations as he once again visits the country. “We hope to see more milestones and accomplishments that secure for our nations a better quality of life and a more promising shared future,” he said.

President Duterte’s visit to Japan takes place before his participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Vietnam, and the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, both in November 2017.

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