MALACAÑANG on Monday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on his re-election last weekend and expressed confidence that the Philippines and Japan's strategic partnership would continue.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a statement, said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte was optimistic that Abe's decisive victory in Sunday’s poll would help further bolster the ties between the Philippines and Japan.
"We wish to congratulate HE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the results of the elections this weekend. This fresh mandate augurs well for the excellent Philippine-Japan ties. We have many points of collaboration with our neighbor in the North, which includes economic, socio-political security and defense cooperation,” Abella said.
"We are therefore confident that both countries' solid and strategic partnership would continue to gain greater strength in the years to come," he added.
Reports said Abe's coalition has retained a two-thirds majority in parliament.
The ruling coalition has reportedly won 312 seats in the 465-seat lower house, said a report by the Japanese public broadcaster NHK.
In January, Abe visited Duterte at his home in Davao City as a sign of "friendship and confidence". Abe is the first head of state to visit the country under the Duterte administration. (SunStar Philippines)