Duterte cites unrivaled Philippines-Japan relations

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday paid tribute to Philippines’ relations with Japan on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of normalization of the two nations’ bilateral ties, calling it unrivaled and triumphant.

“Japan is unrivaled in its status as one of the Philippines’ trading partners. Only a handful of our bilateral relationships have been as deeply transformative as the one we have with Japan,” Duterte said in a statement.

“As I have said time and again, Japan is a friend closer than a brother. I am confident that the our partnership will continue to strengthen as our people-to-people linkages continue to deepen,” he added.

Likewise, the President lauded Japan for its unprecedented feat of hosting the Olympic Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Amid the pandemic, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games have now become an enduring symbol of humanity's unbowed spirit. We wish Japan's success in this endeavor,” Duterte said.

“Our shared future remains bright and there are many promises that can still be fulfilled,” he added.—AOL, GMA News