DUTERTE SUPPORTS JAPAN VS NOKOR
President Duterte supports Japan’s stance against North Korea and cautioned President Kim Jongun not to threaten the world with his nuclear warfare.
Duterte assured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their bilateral meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit Monday that the Philippines supports Japan’s stance against North Korea.
The Chief Executive said it is a matter of interest for the two countries despite the Philippines being farther from the rogue state compared to Japan.
“We are supporting you against what North Korea is doing. We condemn the continued posturing of North Korea with the nuclear weapons,” Duterte said.
“We have said it several times already in the past that it is not to the interest of North Korea to swagger around and threaten the world, of keeping us hostage with the atomic weapons,” he added.
According to Duterte, Kim should realize that he would be responsible in case the nuclear activities in his country cause the world’s destruction. “We condemn his several launching of missiles. It is bad. It puts a strain on everybody, not only in Japan but all over the world,” Duterte said.
“And he should realize that he’d be responsible for ending life in this planet if his mind goes out of control.”
Duterte said the ASEAN is trying to persuade Kim to stop his aggressiveness as this may bring the world to the point of no return. “That is why we are persuading him, maybe pleading him to stop the aggressive posture. The Philippines is about too far but, you know, nobody will save us from a holocaust if it happens,” he said.
Duterte thanked Abe for Japan’s assistance to the Philippines during and after the war against the Maute Group in Marawi City.
“We are aware that you have been helping us, especially in Marawi even during the siege and we appreciate it very much,” Duterte told Abe. “In behalf of the people of Marawi, I’d like to thank you again,” he added.