Ties between Manila, Tokyo draw closer

Manila: Bilateral relations between Asian neighbours Japan and the Philippines grew even tighter at the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Tokyo.

“Our commitment and resolve show the desire to further expand cooperative ties. I dare say that, considering what we have accomplished and achieved, the Philippines and Japan are building a golden age of our Strategic Partnership,” Duterte said

Although relations between Tokyo and Manila spanned decades even after the Second World War when imperial Japanese occupational forces held the Philippines from 1941 to 1945, their ties got a fresh start during modern times when Japan built roads and infrastructure as part of wartime reparations. In return, it got to do business in the country, establishing car manufacturing bases and electronic assembly plants as well as agri-business ventures.

Duterte during his visit to Japan, where he met Abe, signed several agreements that promised a boost to the countries’ ties, improved defence ties and a commitment from Tokyo to assist in the rehabilitation of the conflict-torn Mindanao city of Marawi.

He also thanked Japan for its support in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of strife-torn Marawi City. Tokyo promised to provide P6 billion (Dh426 million) for the devastated city.

“This covers huge impact and high value infrastructure projects that my country needs to sustain and spur our economic growth. There will be some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects including the Metro Manila Subway project, and major developments in the regions and provinces,” Duterte said.

Japan, during Duterte’s visit, promised to deliver, as donations, five more TC90 maritime surveillance aircraft. Two of the same time of aircraft had been in service with the Philippine Navy under a lease agreement. Japan also pledged to provide for free spare parts for UH1 utility helicopters.

He said the Philippines is ready to work with other Japanese companies as “new partners for growth”.

“We condemn these tests and call on all concerned stakeholders to return to the negotiating table to peacefully resolve the situation,” he said.

For his part, Abe pledged to provide “maximum support” for the restoration of Marawi and further strengthen support for Mindanao’s peace and development and its efforts toward the establishment of an autonomous government for Muslim Mindanao.