Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21)— Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called off his planned official visit to the Philippines, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday.
Japanese state media first reported that their top official will not be pushing through with the trip, originally scheduled later this month, due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was confirmed by the Palace, which said that it “understands the decision” of the prime minister.
“Defeating the COVID-19 pandemic is high on both the Philippines and Japan’s agenda and remains a key point of cooperation,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. “The decision to postpone a planned official visit based on this ground, therefore, deserves support.”
Roque added that the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries will “continue to strengthen” as the health crisis drags on.
Aside from the Philippines, Suga also cancelled his scheduled trip to India, local media reported.
READ: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque says the President understands the decision of the Office of the Prime Minister to postpone the planned Official Visit of His Excellency Suga Yoshihide to the Philippines. https://t.co/sDo55hwVGt pic.twitter.com/eUmpv3mlPj
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 21, 2021
