President Duterte To Visit Japan To Sign P550 Billion Railway, Flood Control Projects

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to embark on a working visit to Japan on October 29-31 “to further enhance the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In a statement sent to reporters Wednesday, October 25, the DFA said President Duterte would meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss matters of mutual interest to both countries.

He is also scheduled to meet with other high-ranking Japanese government officials and influential captains of industry.

“Aside from bilateral issues in the economic, industrial, social and security arena, discussions are also expected to include regional developments, including peace and stability in the region, particularly in the Korean Peninsula,” the statement said.

“Both sides are also expected to engage in dialogue relative to the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN and preparations for the Prime Minister’s own return visit to the Philippines for the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila this November,” the DFA added.

The Philippines and Japan have extensive bilateral interactions since President Duterte assumed office in June 2016.

President Duterte’s upcoming visit would be his second trip to Japan and his third meeting with PM Abe.

The President first visited Japan on October 25-27 last year.

Last January, PM Abe visited the Philippines and became the first foreign head of government to be hosted by President Duterte in Malacañang.

The Japanese leader also went to President Duterte’s home in Davao City.

In the meantime, PM Abe’s return visit to the Philippines in November would likely see the signing of loan commitments for three big-ticket projects of the Duterte Administration.

These are the P230 billion Mega Manila Subway Project-Phase 1; the P211.5 billion Malolos-Clark Airport-Clark Rail Project: and the P9.99 billion Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project.

To date, Japan has remained the country’s top trading partner and top source of official development assistance (ODA).

Watch the video report below via UNTV:

Source: Philippine News Agency