Tokyo – The “special friendship” between Japan and the Philippines stands on “unshakeable firm ground” and must be extended by another 1,000 years, President Duterte declared before wrapping up his three-day official visit here.
The President hailed the enhanced strategic partnership between the two Asian brothers following his productive meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, calling Japan as a “special friend closer to a brother.”
“This is a relationship that stands on unshakeable, firm ground by all counts… our ties are just excellent,” the President said during a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister at his residence in Tokyo.
“Our security and defense cooperation is vibrant, our political exchanges are active, our economic cooperation is impressive; our partnership for peace in Mindanao and in the region is visible. Our commitment to inclusive growth and development is undeniable,” he added.
Joint patrol exercises
Duterte said the Philippines is willing to hold joint patrol exercises with Japan in the country’s territorial waters, including the West Philippine Sea, following the enhanced cooperation in ensuring maritime safety and security.
President Duterte said he has “no problem” with the proposed drills between Manila and Tokyo after witnessing the maritime law enforcement and rescue capability of the Japan Coast Guard here.
“The joint exercise? Yes, of course,” the President told reporters when asked if Japan could hold joint exercises with the Philippines.
When asked if such joint exercises were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Duterte said: “Well, parang in general terms. Yes, no problem.”
The President, however, admitted that a proposed visiting forces agreement between the Philippines and Japan was not tackled in his meeting with Abe. “Walang na-mention ang Japanese dyan,” he said.
1,000 more years
Before giving his toast, Duterte proposed in jest a new pact with Japan, particularly on extending the strong bilateral relations between Manila and Tokyo.
“With 60 years of diplomatic relations and centuries-old ties, the Philippines and Japan have defined a special friendship whose value is beyond any measure,” he said.
“I would like to ask from Your Excellency, Prime Minister, that you and I sign an agreement tonight extending the 60 years of friendship of our diplomatic relations anniversary and may I suggest 1,000 years,” he added.
Duterte said the Philippines-Japan relationship has been borne out of mutual respect and trust and further strengthened by a common commitment to uphold democracy adherence to the rule of law and a peaceful settlement of disputes.
“As countries and peoples that have shared a meaningful history, we now look forward to a future together as we chart a common path toward our aspiration for greater peace, progress and prosperity and beyond,” he added.
Prime Minister Abe, in his remarks, also lauded the “brotherly” and “indispensable” relationship between Japan and the Philippines, saying he hopes such bilateral ties would continue to be enhanced.
Abe said he was thrilled to see the start of a new Philippine administration under Duterte who is “really really close to Japan.”
“Mr. President, Japan is giving a rousing welcome to you upon your first time visit to Japan and between Japan and the Philippines, there is a deep, warm, family-like or brotherly relationship and my sincere hope is to develop our future in full bloom together with Mr. President,” he said.
Abe later asked Duterte to visit Japan again not only to further boost ties so he could enjoy his favorite Japanese cuisine. The former Davao City mayor is apparently a fan of Washoku Japanese food.
“Mr. President, I recount that you have a passion for Washoku Japanese cuisine and that is exactly why I took the initiative to prepare the Washoku for you tonight. If you like it, please do come back to Japan as you wish to enjoy another batch of Washoku,” he said.
As envisioned by Dr. Jose Rizal, who visited Japan a long time ago, Abe said the Philippines and Japan now enjoy the relationship, which has been developed in every area, including political and economic cooperation as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
“With that, may I propose a toast for the good health and happiness of Mr. President and all of you here and also for further development of the friendly relationship between Japan and the Philippines,” he said.
Japanese troops welcome
While he was open to receive Japanese troops, Duterte reiterated that he was opposed to the presence of American troops in the country. He said the country’s recent military exercises with the US would be the last.
“Maybe, I’ll review the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) and asked them one of these days to leave the country,” said Duterte, a day after declaring he wants the Philippines free of foreign troops in two years.
The President’s comments came after getting the commitment of Japan for additional sea vessels and military aircraft as part of maritime and defense cooperation of the two countries.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency had earlier offered a 16.455-billion yen loan package for the procurement of two large scale patrol ships to improve the maritime safety capability of the Philippine Coast Guard. The two vessels would be in addition to the 10 patrol boats previously negotiated by the Philippines with Japan.
The President thanked Japan for its financial assistance in improving the PCG capacity, saying two upcoming large patrol ships would be deployed to guard the country’s territorial waters including the West Philippine Sea.
“Japan is the number one donor in terms of assistance and help, including some of the vessels that we have been shown here, especially the light ones, the rubber boats, it’s for mobility,” he said.
“I’m satisfied with the generous offer of Japan,” he aded.
Duterte also voiced confidence that neither Japan nor China would react negatively and prevent the Philippines from deploying its ships to protect its own coastal waters.
“I do not think that they would stop us – I mean China would stop us. Japan just going there and making a cruise,” Duterte said.
“As a matter of fact, I also told them that they can go near my territorial water and park there if they want,” he added.
The President also admitted that he prefers light patrol boats like the ones showcased by the Japan Coast Guard instead of an aircraft carrier due to “mobility” in guarding the country’s seas.
“Hindi ako masyadong kailangan ng aircraft carrier. You know, the Philippines is a group of so many, and it’s almost 7,048 islands all in all. Mas kailangan ko ‘yung ganun na rubber boats to make the patrols inland, including rivers,” he said.
He noted that two Coast Guard frigates would be deployed to the Manila Bay near the Bureau of Customs.
In his visit to the Japan Coast Guard headquarters, the President boarded a large patrol vessel and witnessed the capability exercises on combatting sea privacy and disaster rescue operations. Accompanied by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the President also made a quick tour inside the Japanese ship.
President Duterte was expected to return to the country Thursday night following efforts to enhance the country’s political, economic and defense relations with Japan.
The President had earlier pledged the country would “not abandon Japan in our partnership and security mattress.” He said the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership has worked well in part because both countries are so committed to it, and stand to benefit from it.
“We will contribute to the growth of your industries and your economy as you have done,” he said.
The post PH-Japan Ties ‘Unshakeable’ appeared first on Manila Bulletin
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