Abe's two-day visit to the Philippines is the first by a foreign leader since Duterte took office last year, highlighting Japan's importance as the Southeast Asian nation's top trading partner and foreign aid donor.
Abe is also intent on maintaining Japan's strong ties with thePhilippines as Duterte shakes up his nation's foreign policy with a shift away from the United States, both nations' longtime ally, in favour of China and Russia.
The trip began with a warm welcome by Duterte at the presidential palace, with the Philippine leader then winning much sought-after backing for his drug war that has claimed about 6,000 lives and raised concerns of mass extrajudicial killings.
"On countering illegal drugs, we want to work together with thePhilippines to think of relevant measures of support," Abe said afterwards, according to an interpreter.
Abe said Japan would help with drug treatment programmes and facilities.
Duterte, who has railed against US President Barack Obama and European politicians for criticising his drug war, highlighted Abe's offersof support.
"As the Philippines pursues its campaign to destroy the illegal drugtrade apparatus, we welcome the expression of interest of Japan tosupport measures to address the tremendous social cost of drugaddiction," Duterte said.
