MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte wants to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe again to discuss further deepening of ties between the Philippines and Japan, Malacañang said yesterday. Kono told Duterte Japan is committed to further deepen and expand cooperation with the Philippines. He also welcomed the successful holding of the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite and expressed Japan’s commitment to develop the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and to rehabilitate war-torn Marawi. Duterte thanked Kono for visiting the Philippines and lauded the inauguration of Japan’s consulate general in Davao. The President also called Japan a “true friend and proven partner” and praised the East Asian country for its involvement in the Philippines’ ambitious ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program.

Source: Philippine Star February 11, 2019 16:07 UTC