Aguinaldo State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace
January 12, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte held a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan on the first day of the Japanese leader’s official visit to the Philippines. The two leaders were joined by their respective delegations in the meeting.

In his opening statement, President Duterte welcomed Prime Minister Abe to the country, saying that he is pleased and honored to host the distinguished visitor, the first foreign leader to visit the Philippines under his administration.

The President added that he is looking forward to a most productive meeting, as this is an opportunity to intensify cooperation in trade and investment, maritime safety and security, peace and order, and pursue development in the Mindanao region.

Prime Minister Abe, for his opening statement, expressed the tremendous honor as the first foreign leader to visit the Philippines under the leadership of President Duterte. He emphasized that he chose the country as the first destination of his overseas visit for the year, a testament to the strong relations between Japan and the Philippines.

Moreover, the Prime Minister said that it would be a great pleasure to visit President Duterte’s home in Davao City and reiterated his commitment to elevate bilateral relations to higher grounds.

The Japanese Head of Government added that his country is ready to support the Philippines as it chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, and is optimistic for a candid discussion in the summit meeting.

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