Tokyo, Japan
October 30, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a Summit Meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo during the President’s official visit to Japan.

In a joint statement, both leaders expressed strong commitment to further bilateral ties with each other, with Prime Minister Abe expressing his support on President Duterte’s fight against terrorism and the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Meetings this November.

On the other hand, President Duterte congratulated the Prime Minister for his landslide win and strong mandate from his people, as the latter begins his third term in office as one of the longest-serving Japanese Premier.

Likewise, he expressed his disappointment for cancelling his earlier trip to Japan to address terrorism in the Marawi crisis. He also gave an update on the status of Marawi’s rehabilitation to which he sought Japan’s support.

“We are rebuilding Marawi to its former glory. We are reconstructing what should continue to be a center of moderation and tolerance in Mindanao. To achieve this and our aspirations for a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous Philippines, my country needs to work with nations who share the same values we uphold,” he said.

The President also expressed his positivity that talks during the Summit Meeting would yield to a reinvigorated partnership and stronger ties.

“Today, let me say with firm resolve that the Philippines is ready to work with Japan in building a golden age for our strategic partnership,” President Duterte said.

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