Duterte wishes Japan PM Shinzo Abe a speedy recovery

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday wished Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to have a speedy recovery after the latter announced his stepping down due to his poor health.

“President Duterte personally conveyed his best wishes for Prime Minister Abe’s speedy and full recovery and extended appreciation for the Prime Minister’s valuable contribution in the strengthening of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership,” a Palace statement said.

Abe’s ulcerative colitis has recurred, forcing him to cut short his term in office.

During the 25-minute “warm and productive” telephone conversation, Duterte lauded Abe for his “leadership and vision that paved the way for Japan’s proactive contribution to peace in the Asia Pacific.”

Duterte also thanked Abe for Japan’s pledge that paved the way for the government’s Build, Build, Build program.

“President Duterte conveyed that the Philippines wants to sustain its robust economic ties with Japan through the immediate completion of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement General Review,” the Palace said.

Abe, meanwhile, told Duterte that Japan would continue to strengthen its ties with the Philippines.

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