DAVAO
CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte arrived here on Tuesday from his Official
Visit to Japan, describing it as “most productive and engaging.”
In
his arrival statement, President Duterte said that he met Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed concrete, time-bound and specific ways to
“On
top of our agenda is vital support for the centerpiece projects under the
Philippines’ Build, Build, Build program,” President Duterte said.
The
said program will cover a significant impact social infrastructure projects
that the Philippines need to sustain economic growth and improve the quality of
life of the Filipino people.
The
Chief Executive added that more projects would be rolled off under Japan’s
trillion yen or close to nine billion US dollars pledge of assistance.
He
said that the Japanese Prime Minister has committed to “give flesh” to Japan’s
special assistance program.
“I
am committed to [working] closely with him to ensure that projects proceed
soonest and it will be Done, Done, Done,” President Duterte said.
According
to President Duterte, Philippines and Japan will intensify defense and security
cooperation to combat terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes.
“We
will strive to make our waters free and open to our peoples so that they can
enjoy our rich natural maritime resources,” President Duterte said.
The
President also thanked Japan for reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines’
pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.
He
said Japan would be the nation's partner in rebuilding Marawi as "the
center of moderation and tolerance.”
President
Duterte also mentioned that he and the Japanese Prime Minister discussed the
perils of a nuclear war and other incidentals, particularly on the
miscalculation of the atomic threat to any of the neighboring countries,
notably China, South Korea and the peripheral neighboring nations.
He
also said that the industry leaders in Tokyo signed business agreements valued
at six billion dollars, more than thrice the amount sealed business agreements
during his first visit to Japan in 2016.
“We encouraged Japan to explore more
opportunities to invest in the Philippines, including in steel manufacturing,
agribusiness and IT and creative services,” he added.
President
Duterte also said he looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abe and other
leaders to the Philippines in the upcoming 31st ASEAN Summit and Related
Summits.
Meanwhile,
the President said that he was humbled by the singular honor of meeting with
Emperor Akihito in Tokyo and conveyed the Philippines’ deep appreciation,
gratitude for Japan’s continuing friendship and support for the peace and
development goals of the country.
