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The Prime Minister in Action
Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting and Other Events
May 31, 2019
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
Photograph of the Prime Minister welcoming the President of the Philippines (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister welcoming the President of the Philippines (2)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (1)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (2)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (3)
Photograph of the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting
Photograph of the joint press announcement (1)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (2)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe (3)
On May 31, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Mr. Rodrigo R. Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a meeting. Afterwards, the leaders held a joint press announcement.
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and said in his address,
“I extend my heartfelt welcome to President Duterte on his third visit to Japan.
At the meeting held earlier, we had a very meaningful exchange of views. Now, I would like to invite you to relax and enjoy Japanese cuisine for the remainder of the day.
When I visited Davao in January two years ago, President Duterte kindly invited my wife, Akie, and I to his house in Davao. I still remember fondly the warm hospitality of President Duterte and Madame Avanceña.
This January, Japan opened a Consulate-General in Davao. President Duterte served as the mayor of Davao for many years. Today, we have invited a couple whose marriage was certified by President Duterte during his time as mayor. Their son is currently an Ozeki rank sumo wrestler, Takayasu Akira. Please stand up. Thank you.
Furthermore, Ms. Mayumi Sakamoto, Lieutenant Colonel in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, participated in the operation training between Japan and the Philippines for two consecutive years and played a key role in coordination on the ground. Mr. Akira Kuramoto, Director for Coast Guard International Cooperation, is in charge of the capacity-building program for the Philippines Coast Guard. Please stand up. Thank you.
Today, we are joined by three Philippine nationals, who work as certified careworkers in Japan. In particular, Ms. Sandra Otacan experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake when she was working at a care center in Fukushima prefecture. In the aftermath, she remained in the disaster-affected area and continued her work there.
I cannot introduce everyone here tonight, but we are joined by leaders representing various fields such as politics, the economy and culture, who support the friendly relations of our two countries. It is thanks to your efforts that we enjoy such wonderful Japan-Philippines relations today. I hope that you will maintain your ongoing efforts for the further development of Japan-Philippines relations.
In closing, I would like to propose a toast to the good health and success of President Duterte, Madam Avanceña, and all of you gathering here today.”
