The “golden age” of the friendship between the Philippines and Japan prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to attend the enthronement rites of Naruhito as the new emperor, the Palace said Monday.
President Duterte will be in Japan on Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, which will mark his fourth visit there to witness the Imperial Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government considers Japan as a “special strategic partner in various areas.”
The President believes that it is “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,” Panelo said.
Malacañang earlier said the President would not be able to attend the rites because of his busy schedule.
Duterte later said he would witness the ceremonies since he had been invited by the Japanese government.
Panelo said Japan was the Philippines’ second major trading partner and fourth-biggest source and market for tourism.
Twenty-six business agreements worth billions, which are projected to create 82,737 jobs in the country, were signed during President Duterte’s last working visit to Tokyo.
“The signing of these business agreements clearly shows Japan’s vote of confidence in our President’s method of governance, as well as in our country’s economic prospects at present, Panelo said.
Japan had also been the largest Official Development Assistance provider to the Philippines, he said.
Panelo also said Japan had assisted the peace and development efforts in Mindanao, such as the rehabilitation of Marawi.
Duterte designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as the Executive branch’s officer-in-charge while he is in Japan.
The ceremonies on Oct. 22 will formalize Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne in the presence of dignitaries from more than 190 countries.
Naruhito began his reign in May after his father, Emperor Akihito, stepped down because of his declining health.