Duterte off to Japan for Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday left for Tokyo to attend the enthronement ceremony for Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.

The plane carrying the President took off from Davao City at 6:36 p.m. and was due to arrive in Tokyo late Monday night.

Details regarding Duterte’s “lean” delegation, as described by his spokesperson Salvador Panelo, had yet to be released by Malacañang. The President designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as the officer-in-charge of the national government during his trip.

“The golden age of Philippines-Japan friendship has indeed started to unfold,” Panelo said.

“President Duterte, as our head of state, therefore believes that it is but proper to give honor to an important partner by being present at the enthronement ceremony which is considered by the Japanese to be one of their country's most momentous events.”

Aside from the enthronement ceremony on Tuesday, Duterte might also hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to a report by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.

Duterte was also expected to attend the banquets to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito who succeeded to the throne on May 1.

Panelo said the Duterte administration considered Japan as a “special strategic partner in various areas and greatly values the diplomatic ties of the Philippines with it.”

Japan is the Philippines’ second major trading partner and fourth biggest tourism market.

Duterte previously visited Japan in October 2016, October 2017 and May 2019. He is set to return to the Philippines on Thursday. — DVM, GMA News