First of all, I would like to underscore that Japan firmly deplores the terror incident which took place in Davao the other day.

I would like to take this opportunity to express My heartfelt condolences for the victims and their family members.

And also, I would like to reiterate my feelings and sympathy for you.

PRES. DUTERTE: Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER ABE: This year is a milestone year which marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relationship between Japan and the Philippines. And under our close partnership, I do look forward to further developing our cooperation in a wide range of areas together with you.

PRES. DUTERTE: I would like to thank the Japanese government for their efforts to commiserate with us in the bombing incident in Davao City. Thank you very much for your concern and Davao remains to be the largest recipient of JICA and the entire Philippines.

For so many years, JICA has been there. Japan has been kind enough to extend us all the assistance for further development in our country and as a matter of fact, our trade shows that we export more to Japan than before.

And so, the trade balance surplus is in our favor and maybe Japan has— we saw to it that we are good partner also to our partner economy.

We are confident that the program— the development agencies like JICA. We know that Japan is one of our friendly neighbors.

And we also would like to stand by you in the matter of the security of the Korean Peninsula. I support your stand. And we hope that we can work together for a better and a greater, peaceful area.