President Rodrigo Duterte has invited Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to visit the Philippines anytime as he thanked the Japanese government for providing financial assistance to the Philippines.
Suga takes over from Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, 65-year-old Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to health reasons.
Duterte made his invitation during a 25-minute “tele-summit” between the two leaders on Monday, according to a statement released by the Office of the President.
Duterte hailed Japan’s contribution to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific under Abe’s leadership.
In the past few years, he said, Tokyo had advanced regional security and the rule of law especially in the maritime commons in the region.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Philippine government was ready to work with Suga in further strengthening bilateral cooperation on the special relationship established with Abe.
“The Philippines considers Japan as a close friend, a friend closer than a brother,” Roque said.
Next year, the two countries will mark 65 years of diplomatic ties and a decade of strategic partnership.
Duterte also thanked Japan for its consistent support for the peace and development agenda in Mindanao and the administration’s “Build Build Build” program, citing the 36-kilometer Metro Manila Subway that is funded through a loan provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Suga conveyed Japan’s interest to work closely with the Philippines to promote a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
He also reiterated Japan’s support for the Philippines’ Build, Build, Build pro gram and the Mindanao peace process.
He expressed hope that the establishment of the Consulate General of Japan in Cebu in January 2021 would further strengthen Philippines-Japan relations.