By Argyll Cyrus Geducos TOKYO, Japan---Prime Minister Abe Shinzo reassured President Duterte of Japan's continuous support to his projects following the victory of his bets in the recently concluded polls. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reaffirm friendship and commitment to a more intensified development partnership as they declare their joint press statement following the summit meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Japan on May 31, 2019. (PCOO/ MANILA BULLETIN) Abe made the remark in his joint press statement with Duterte following their seventh Summit meeting at the Prime Minister's office here Friday evening. In his statement, Abe said that the victory of Duterte's eight senatorial candidates only shows how people approve of his policies and actions for the past three years. "President Duterte, may I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the overwhelming victory that you had achieved in the recent midterm elections in your Republic. The result is a manifestation of the tremendous support shown to the President’s track record during the past three years," Abe said. "The government of Japan will continue our strong support for projects actively being promoted by the President such as the peace process in Mindanao and infrastructure development," he added. Mindanao peace process Abe noted in his remarks that the peace process in Mindanao entered a new stage following the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in February. The Prime Minister said Japan will continue supporting attuned to the progress of the peace process so the people of Mindanao can truly enjoy the peace dividend soon. "I believe the priority lies in the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the Transition Authority and the facilitation of disarmament of soldiers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front," Abe said. Infrastructure and economy Abe also shared that Japan is proud to be the largest partner supporting Duterte's "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program. "We will continue to strongly support the sustainable economic development of the Philippines through assistance in quality infrastructure," he said. The Japanese leader also welcomed the decision of the Philippines to lift the import suspension of fishery products from Fukushima prefecture prior to the President's visit to Tokyo. "Safety of agriculture, forestry and fishery products of Fukushima is ensured through thorough inspections and other measures. Our government will continue to make outmost efforts to push for relaxation or removal of import restrictions imposed by some countries and wipe out the hurtful rumors," Abe said. Defense and security Abe also noted that the Philippines and Japan are also working closely in the area of security by continuing to engage in joint exercises, providing support in capacity building, and seeking to deepen dialogue on the policy front. Abe added that both the Philippines and Japan confirmed plans to strengthen their partnership amid challenges to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions towards the denuclearization of North Korea and early resolution of the abduction issue. "With another milestone reached today, I look forward to working hand in hand with President Duterte to further deepen the bond of friendship between Japan and the Philippines and to contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity," he said. Duterte was in Japan for four days mainly to speak at Nikkei's 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia. Over the past week, the President also met and invited Japanese businessmen to explore opportunities in the country, and met with members of the Filipino community.