By Genalyn Kabiling
NONTHABURI, Thailand — The Philippines is committed to sustain defense cooperation with Japan amid plans to purchase more military equipment, President Duterte declared Monday.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joins other leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries during the 35th ASEAN Summit Plenary at Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi, Thailand on November 2, 2019. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The President disclosed the planned acquisition of aircraft and air defense radar technology during his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan on the sidelines of the regional summit here.
The two leaders held talks late Monday afternoon to enhance bilateral relations shortly after attending the East Asia summit at the Impact Convention Center here. They were accompanied by their respective Cabinet ministers.
"I would like to again thank you for the air assets, the five TC-90s, UH-1H we received from your government," Duterte told Abe in his opening remarks.
"We would hope to sustain this cooperation as my Government looks for the acquisition of such aircraft and radar," he added.
Apart from the defense cooperation, the Philippine leader expressed gratitude to Japan for supporting the Bangsamoro peace process as well as the country's infrastructure program, particularly the construction of the country's first-ever subway.
"I also would like to thank your support for the creation of the Bangsamoro Mindanao and the Road Network that you have started over there," Duterte told Abe.
"I would like to give our heartfelt thanks for the Manila subway. It’s the first in the country and you are the only country who proposed to give it to us," he added
At the start of the meeting, the President told Abe that it was an honor to attend the enthronement of Emperor Nahurito in Tokyo last month. Duterte, however, expressed regret that he had to shorten his Japan trip due urgent matters back home.
"I regret that I had to go first. I had to cut short. I was not able to attend your Gala Dinner because I had to attend to some pressing matters back home," he told the Japanese leader.
Abe said he was grateful for Duterte's effort to attend the enthronement ceremony and understood his reason for cutting short his trip.
"With regard to the ceremony of the enthronement at the Seiden State Hall in Japan, that was an extremely important occasion for Japan and the Japanese people," Abe said.
"I am truly grateful for Mr. President’s participation in the ceremony and also I understand that because of the pressing issues that you had to go back to the Philippines, you have to shorten your visit," he added.
Duterte earlier cut short his trip to Japan after complaining of unbearable back pain from a motorcycle fall. He has been diagnosed with muscle spasm during a recent consultation with his doctor.
In the same meeting with Abe, President Duterte expressed his sympathies to Japan following the onslaught of typhoon Hagibis.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of your countrymen during the Typhoon Hagibis. And I also mourned because of the Shuri Castle. It is a UNESCO Heritage," he said.
Duterte also thanked Japan for approving the opening of the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya.
Duterte and Abe are among the world leaders who attend the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit and related meetings in Thailand over the weekend.
The two leaders last held bilateral talks at the premier's office in Tokyo last May. The meeting of the two leaders on Monday was the eight since Duterte assumed office in June 2016.