Japanese prime minister visits Philippines to boost ties

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has arrived in the Philippines for a two-day state visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

Abe was welcomed by the Philippine president in the country’s capital of Manila on Thursday, becoming the first foreign leader to visit the Philippines since Rodrigo Duterte he took office last year.

“I chose the Philippines as my first destination this year and that is testament to my primary emphasis on our bilateral relationship,” the Japanese premier said upon arrival in the capital. “I’m committed to elevating our bilateral relationship to a higher ground.”

The two leaders are scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including counter-terrorism and drug rehabilitation projects.

The meeting comes at a time when Duterte has distanced himself away from the US, aiming to maintain closer relations with Japan, which is the Philippines’ largest donor and top trading partner.

As part of a four-nation trip, Abe, leading a high-ranking business delegation, will depart from Manila late on Friday and then head to Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, prior to Abe’s arrival, about two dozen activists gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines’ capital to denounce the sexual abuse of women by Japanese forces during World War Two.

SS