Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano arrived in Manila last night wrapping up his successful four-day Working Visit to Japan. The Secretary paid a courtesy call on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and officially met with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida for the first time since his appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Secretary Cayetano and Prime Minister Abe had fruitful discussions on the general state of Philippines-Japan relations, and highlighted the sincere and warm friendship shared between Prime Minister Abe and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The Prime Minister assured the Secretary of Japan’s continued support for the Philippines’ development priorities and campaign against illegal drugs and terrorism.
The Secretary briefed the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kishida separately on the situation in Mindanao, reassuring the Japanese government that the Philippine government exercises control in Marawi City and is unceasingly pursuing the terrorists operating in the localities.
The two Foreign Ministers had a productive and candid exchange at the working dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Kishida at the Iikura Guest House. The Secretary expressed his gratitude for the unrelenting support of Japan toward the development of the Philippines, citing the over 1 trillion-yen financing package, and looked forward to their future engagements, especially in the ASEAN related meetings in Manila this August. Both sides likewise discussed potential areas of future cooperation.
Secretary Cayetano also met with other officials of the Japanese government and held a press briefing for the Japan National Press Club at its headquarters.
Japan supports the Mindanao Peace Process (MPP) through different tailored programs and participates in mechanisms for assistance to Mindanao. Japan’s development assistance in Mindanao extends to community development, socio-economic reconstruction and others.
Among his major official engagements in Tokyo, Secretary Cayetano delivered a speech at the 23rdNikkei International Conference on the Future of Asia on June 06 and presented the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the positive outlook for the Philippines. The Secretary acknowledged the many challenges and opportunities on the road to the much-awaited Asian Century. The Secretary emphasized, “To despair and waste a great opportunity, or to have faith and claim our destiny,” as he shared his vision for a united Asian people, his faith for a more prosperous Asian region, and his ideas for action that will lead to the Asian future. END