Although Japan is an ally of the United States, President Duterte assured that there will be no Philippines- Japan breakup.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured during his state visit in Japan that the Philippines will never abandon its friendship and partnership with the host country.
President Duterte made the pronouncement in front Japanese Business Organizations in Tokyo, as part of his official visit to Japan.
President Duterte earlier extended his deepest gratitude to the support given by the Japanese government to the Philippines, especially their multi-billion dollar official development assistance (ODA), which is of great help to the industrialization of the country.
The Philippine chief executive also said that the success of the Philippines – Japan strategic partnership cannot be denied because both countries benefited from it and he also said that Japan is a “trusted friend”.
He assured Japan that it can count on his words and assurance that the Philippines will never leave them, especially that they are one in believing that all the problems and gaps with other countries should be resolved through peaceful means, in accordance to international law.
The Philippine President also emphasized that Japan will always be Philippines’ partner in maritime safety, maritime security and in avoiding all chances of any violence in the pursuit of resolving any tension or dispute.
“But let me add that in all respects, as every relationships are alienated in this world, we seek only peace and friendship but I give you my word today that we will not abandon Japan in our partnership and security matters given the common belief that our conflicts and problems with other nations must be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law”, said President Duterte.
“We would like to make..that we would also be a partner and a player of maritime safety, maritime security anytime and that we would like to avoid at all costs violence because we have to resolve it peacefully and in accordance with international law. That is my assurance that in all of these endeavors, we will be your partner and we will stand by our word”, he added.