GLOBAL ECONOMY

Abe ends Philippine visit with investment, speedboat pledge

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte walk together for their meeting at the Malacanang Palace grounds, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Abe arrived Thursday for a two-day official visit that includes a visit to Duterte's hometown of Davao city in southern Philippines.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte toast during a state banquet at the Malacanang Palace Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. Abe arrived Thursday for a two-day official visit that includes a visit to Duterte's hometown of Davao city in southern Philippines.(AP Photo/Francis Malasig, Pool) (The Associated Press)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reviews the troops during a welcoming ceremony at the Malacanang Palace grounds, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Abe arrived Thursday for a two-day official visit that includes a visit to President Rodrigo Duterte's hometown of Davao city in southern Philippines. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is on his way to Australia after a two-day visit to the Philippines, during which he pledged $8.7 billion worth of business opportunities and private investments along with speedboats and other counterterrorism equipment.

He left for Sydney Friday from southern Davao city, President Rodrigo Duterte's hometown. The two leaders shared breakfast of mung soup and rice cakes in Duterte's home.

They posed for pictures with businesspeople in a hotel and attended a ceremony to name an endangered Philippine eagle Sakura, or cherry blossom, in Abe's honor. They ate durian fruit at the hotel's garden as dancers performed to the beat of brass gong before sitting down for lunch.