Prime Minister Abe to Duterte: "Your Famous In Japan"

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met during the ASEAN summit in VIENTIANE, Laos, where Abe said the he was very ‘excited’ to see the Philippine president in person citing that his popularity even reached Japan’s shores.

In a Rappler report Abe said his congratulations through a translator “President Duterte, I would like to congratulate you on assuming the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Abe added his excitement to meet the Duterte “Mr President is quite a famous figure also in Japan, and I am very excited to see you in person.”

Abe’s statement triggered a round of laughter in the room full of diplomats.
Davao Bombing
Abe extend his heartfelt condolences to the tragedy Davao City faced last week who killed 15 people and injured 70 more.

“First of all, I would like to underscore that Japan firmly deplores the terror incident which took place in Davao the other day. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences for the victims and their family members and also I’d also like to reiterate my feelings of sympathy for you.” Abe said.