Vice President Sara Duterte and Japanese Member of the House of Representatives Koichi Hagiuda on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and pursuing development cooperations.

The Japanese official met with Duterte and both leaders declared strong support to foster diplomatic ties and the development of communities to advance economic growth.

Rep. Hagiuda said his visit aligned with Japan’s decade-long ties with the countries under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The Philippines was one of five countries that founded Asean in 1967.

“This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Japan-Asean Friendship and cooperation, and on this occasion, I chose the Philippines as the destination to visit, which is a strategic partner of Japan for more than ten years,” Rep. Hagiuda said.

The two leaders discussed security and economic cooperations, especially in intensifying the infrastructure projects in the Philippines to maximize the economic potential of the country and provide better opportunities for the people.

“In terms of economic cooperation, Japan supported former President Duterte’s infrastructure project Build, Build, Build through public-private assistance. Japan is a development partner that will fulfill its commitment,” Hagiuda said.

“Our Liberal Democratic Party would like to give full support to study the implementation of ODA projects to achieve the goals of the Build Better More plan proposed by President Marcos following Build Build Build,” he added.

ODA stands for Official Development Projects.

The Vice President assured the Japanese government of the Philippines’ support and partnership.

Duterte also said that the Philippines’ thrusts are geared toward peace and development.

“We also commit to Japan in working together for peace and development here in our country and in the region. We want stability for our country, and we want stability for the region. We want a happy and prosperous life for our citizens not just here in the Philippines but everywhere else in the world,” Duterte told the Japanese official.

Duterte, who was mayor of Davao City before assuming the Vice Presidency, also recalled and thanked Japan for all the help extended to the city.

“Let me just take this opportunity to thank the government of Japan for all the help you have done to Davao City. In fact, we have an ongoing bypass road in Davao City that will help boost economic activities and the development of Davao City. This cuts across the entire area of Davao City from North to South. This would be truly helpful in decongesting the traffic problems in urban areas of Davao City,” the Vice President expressed.

“Thank you as well for the development assistance that Japan is giving the Philippines, and we are truly happy for your support to the Build Build Build and the Build Better More of both former President Duterte and President Marcos,” she added.

OVP MEDIA