Duterte Receives Japan Foreign Minister

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on 11 August 2016 at the Presidential Guest House, Davao and treated him to a merienda cena featuring the best of Philippine products. He is the first Foreign Minister to visit Davao.

President Duterte noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations. The President thanked Japan for its continued support for the advocacy of the Philippines in promoting the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea. He recognized Japan’s peerless work in bringing economic development to the Philippines through its significant provision of development assistance and its high levels of investment in the Philippines. The President affirmed the special history of friendship of Davao with Japan, recalling the work of Japanese people for the development of abaca hemp industry in Davao before the war.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments.

The President expressed his appreciation for Japan’s long-standing role in bringing socio-economic development to Mindanao, stressing that Japan’s continued commitment to the Mindanao peace process is very much in line with his administration’s vow to bring genuine and lasting peace to the region. The President mentioned that Foreign Minister Kishida’s presence in Davao is a strong signal of Japan’s steadfast support for Mindanao.

Earlier that day, Foreign Minister Kishida met with his counterpart, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. Both Foreign Ministers held a Joint Press Conference at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao. Secretary Yasay reaffirmed the importance that the Philippines attaches to its relations with Japan. Foreign Minister Kishida stated Japan’s interest in continuing to invest in the Philippines and in participating in infrastructure development in the country. The two ministers expressed confidence that the Strengthened Strategic Partnership between the two nations will develop further in the future.

Foreign Minister Kishida is the First Foreign Minister to be received by President Duterte in Mindanao. ●