Japan-Philippines Relations

November 4, 2019
(Photo1) Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting 1 Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
(Photo2) Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting 2 Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office

At 4:40 p.m. on November 4 (local time), Mr. Abe Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan, met with H.E. Mr. Rodrigo R. Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, for approximately 30 minutes in Bangkok, Thailand, where ASEAN-related summit meetings were held. The overview of the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting is as follows:

  1. At the outset, President Duterte delivered his message of congratulation on the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor.  President Duterte also offered his sympathies over the damages inflicted on Japan by Typhoon Hagibis and for the fire that burnt down Shurijo Castle. President Duterte, while announcing the Philippines’ plan to establish a Consulate General in Nagoya, thanked the Government of Japan for giving prior consent. In response, Prime Minister Abe expressed gratitude for President Duterte’s attendance at the proclamation ceremony of the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor, and also conveyed his words of sympathy for those affected by a series of earthquakes that hit Mindanao recently.
  2. On development cooperation with the Philippines, Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s intention to provide additional loans for improving the seismic resilience of bridges in Manila with a view to supporting “Build, Build, Build” program. In response, President Duterte expressed gratitude for Japan’s cooperation, including that on the development of the Metro Manila subway.
  3. With regard to the Mindanao peace process, Prime Minister Abe reiterated Japan’s intention to augment support as the peace process progresses. In response, President Duterte expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-standing support for Mindanao.
  4. Prime Minister Abe also conveyed Japan’s intention to assist the formulation of a regional development master plan for Subic Bay*. Prime Minister Abe added, “This project is a testament to the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.”
  5. Prime Minister Abe and President Duterte discussed trade restriction measures on Japanese food products, kept in place since the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as operational aspects of Japan’s new status of residence, “Specified Skilled Worker.”
  6. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding regional affairs, such as the latest ballistic missile launches by North Korea and issues on the South China Sea, and we affirmed their common position to maintain close coordination on those issues. Prime Minister Abe stated that the abductions issue is a top priority for the Abe administration. Prime Minister Abe asked for President Duterte’s understanding and cooperation on the early resolution of the abductions issue, and President Duterte reaffirmed his cooperation.
(note)The master plan to be developed will outline possible projects in Subic Bay and surrounding areas in the fields of road network development, logistics terminal development, disaster risk management, and other public utilities development.

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