Relations between Japan and the Philippines which soared to a new high during the term of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo is his legacy,  said Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

”Japan has never wavered in providing aid to our country despite the face that it has also weathered challenges such a devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in 2011,” said Andanar in his message late Friday night.

”Japan’s support to our country, under Prime Minister Abe, has been truly apparent in the assistance it provides for the Duterte administration’s campaigns on poverty alleviation, peace and security. infrastructure and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Andanar.

”Throughout Prime Minister Abe’s tenure, we saw a robust furtherance of the holistic relations between the Philippines and Japan. With that, Japan has continued to maintain itself as an important and trusted ally of the Philippines not only in our mutual socio-economic prosperity, but also towards the promotion of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, ” said Andanar.

On Friday, Japan said it will supply air defense radar equipment to the Philippines. Recently, medical trials of the anti-flu drug Avigan for COVID-19 began in selected public hospitals in Metro Manila.

Japan is also helping rehabilitate the MRT-3 system.

”We remain optimistic that our relations with Japan will continue to flourish and deepen, even though Prime Minister Abe has decided to vacate his post,” added Andanar.

Abe declared he will step down as prime minister on Friday due to health issues.

”We would like to extend our prayers and support to Prime Minister Abe and his family for4 his speedy recovery,” said Andanar. DMS