Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to call on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to repair strained ties with the United States. Duterte is scheduled to visit Japan beginning later today.
Sources say that Abe will pledge a loan of 5 billion yen, or 48 million US dollars, to develop the agriculture industry in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The island is the home of Duterte. Abe will pledge to offer patrol vessels and help the Philippines improve their infrastructure.
Japanese media also say that Abe hopes to keep strong ties with the Philippines. Duterte vowed "separation" from the US last week on a trip to China, but he said "the alliances are alive with" the US before visiting Japan.