Japanese Prime Minister: Duterte is family

President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, photo by Rey Baniquet

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that he considers President Rodrigo Duterte as part of his family.

"We have been like family in deepening our close ties over time and I am very pleased with such warm relationship."



Abe stated this during the dinner he hosted for the Philippine President in his residence.

The dinner concluded Duterte's first day in Japan on Monday.

Abe said, "When I visited the Philippines January this year, both my wife Akie and I had a pleasure visiting President Duterte’s house in Davao City. I very much appreciate the gracious hospitality extended to me and to my wife."

The Prime Minister was the first world leader to have been a guest at Duterte's residence.

“So here is a message from me to those distinguished guests: I owe you so much and your dedication is what made possible for us to enjoy today’s wonderful ties between Japan and the Philippines. And taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and ask for your continuous support as we further develop this special relationship,” Abe said.



Duterte in his reply, expressed the same sentiments.

“I am truly honored and humbled to join you this evening. While this is my second official visit to Tokyo, I must tell you that my personal interest and excitement over this trip has not diminished. I thank Prime Minister Abe and Madame Akie Abe for hosting this evening’s reunion between friends,” he said.

“Suffice it to say that this frequency of interaction is friendship that goes beyond official lines. It is a friendship that is held dearly and valued so much more than words can describe. I will strive to keep that friendship, amity and cooperation between us, our nations and our peoples going from strength to further strength,” Duterte added.

The leaders toasted each other's succes, good health and posperity for their nations.

Both leaders are to meet once more when the Philippines host the Association of Southeast Nations Leaders Summit on November 10 to 15.

Source: manilatimes.net

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