Abe Meets Duterte: Japan’s PM Supports Philippines’ Chairmanship For ASEAN

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his delight to be the first foreign leader to visit the Philippines during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. On Thursday, Abe arrived in Manila for a two-day official visit, during which he is expected to discuss with Duterte strengthening cooperation amid China’s rising assertiveness in the South China Sea.

In his opening statement during their summit meeting in Malacañang, Abe told Duterte he made the Philippines his first foreign visit in 2017 to show his commitment to improve the relations between the two nations. The Philippines is Abe’s first stop on a four-nation trip which will also include Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

"This is a tremendous honor for me to be invited as the very first foreign leader under your administration visiting Manila," Abe reportedly said. "I chose the Philippines as my first destination this year and that is a testament to my primary emphasis on our bilateral relationship with the Philippines."

During the meeting, Abe also said he supported the Philippines' chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Mr. President will serve as the ASEAN chair this year and I am ready to fully support your Chairmanship so as you have successful ASEAN-Related Summit Meetings and the East Asia Summit this year," Abe said. "And together with you, I am committed to elevating our bilateral relationship to a higher ground covering a wide-range of areas. And also let us work hand in hand in addressing various challenges of the Asia-Pacific region."

Abe’s meeting with Duterte came ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the president of the United States on Jan. 20. Analysts are unsure if the Philippines’ relations with the U.S will mend under Trump.

Meanwhile, in his opening statement, Duterte reportedly said Abe's visit showed "the shared commitment to further strengthen our important and valued strategic partnership."

"We can identify ways of building on agreements that we have made on a wide range of issues that would benefit both of our nations and peoples," Duterte said. "This includes among others intensifying trade and investments, bolstering defense, securing just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, strengthening law enforcement against criminality and ensuring maritime safety and security."

On Friday, Abe and Duterte will meet for breakfast at the president’s home in Davao in Mindanao.