MANILA, (MILLAT+APP/AFP) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, becoming the first foreign leader to visit since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last year and launched his
deadly war on crime.
Abe is intent on maintaining Japan’s strong ties with the Philippines
as Duterte shakes up his nation’s foreign policy with a shift away from the United States, both nations’ longtime ally, in favour of China and Russia.
After his two-day stay in the Philippines, Abe will head to
Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam with a business delegation as he looks to the region to boost Japan’s economy dragged down by a greying and shrinking population.
“I would like to exchange views on bilateral and regional issues and
hold frank talks on how we should contribute to the peace and stability of the region,” Abe said before departing for Manila.