By APD writer Melo M. Acuna
MANILA, Feb.10(APD)– Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. officially welcomed Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kano and party at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City, in Mindanao at 10:00 A.M., today.
“In the context of President Duterte’s vision for economic expansion leading to an inclusive, just and stable society, Japan’s assistance has proved vital,” he said in his remarks before the bilateral meeting that took place at the same hotel.
Secretary Locsin described Japan’s assistance not only “consistent and resolute, it has become the gold standard, in quality of outcomes, breath and in the generosity of its terms.” He added it is the template for similar such arrangements with other countries.
Mr. Locsin said this only shows “Japan’s selfless commitment to the Philippines.” Among the topics they would discuss include regional security and economic situation and exchange views about important and current regional concerns.
He said Asia will once again be the principal stage of “great power competition” where “a delicate balance and equilibrium needs to emerge” for the region to keep its gains and grow and keep the momentum.
Secretary Locsin (right) and Foreign Minister Taro Kono meet school children waving Philippine and Japanese flaglets during their visit to MIndanao Kakuzai Daigaku, a school in Davao where Japanese language is part of the curriculum. Minister Kono is in the Philippines for an official visit.
He cited the fundamental values in the current modern international system which include mutual respect, non-aggression, rule of law, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“It is highly reassuring therefore to be navigating these waters with Japan, which has played an increasingly important role in contributing to regional peace and stability,” he said.
After the bilateral meeting, Secretary Locsin said Foreign Minister Kono’s visit “testifies to our long-standing friendship and since 2011, our Strategic Partnership.” He added the discussion between him and his Japanese counterpart was “candid and productive” as they reaffirmed the strategic partnership.
They examined the cooperation in defense, maritime security, infrastructure development, human resource development, health disaster risk reduction and management and people-to-people exchanges.
The two top dignitaries also focused on Mindanao and “helping the region reap the dividends of a long promised and much delayed peace.”
“We emerge from this morning’s meeting freshly confident about prospects for realizing Mindanao’s promise in the wake of positive, indeed striking developments, in bringing Bangsamoro to reality,” Secretary Locsin said.
Referring to the inauguration of the Japanese Consulate-General early Sunday evening, Secretary Locsin said this demonstrates Japan’s enduring commitment to Mindanao “especially with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”
They exchanged notes about the “Road Development Project in Conflicted-Areas in Mindanao” which Secretary Locsin said is “an important step toward that goal by allowing communities long ravaged by conflict to heal, to live and work in safety, and enjoy the dividends of peace.”
He cited Japan’s being the top source of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), largest investor, second biggest trading partner and fourth largest tourism market.
Secretary Locsin confirmed they also discussed infrastructure cooperation and Japan’s commitment, generosity and technological know-how towards modernization.
“Nowhere is this more evident than in the upcoming groundbreaking of the Philippines’ first subway with President Duterte said heralds a new, historic stage in Philippine transportation and urban development,” he said.
Mr. Locsin said they also reviewed the defense and security engagement and vowed to open new doors for cooperation, “in terms of equipment, education and training, and other modalities.” He added Japan will also be a steady partner in strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities “as we modernize our armed forces and bolster maritime security in the region.”
“We both recognize that the regional security environment is fraught with challenges, including the West Philippine Sea and the Korean Peninsula,” he said as he emphasized “as maritime countries with unique similarities, as neighbors whose sea lanes of communication may be similarly affected by recent developments.”
Given the current situation, “we recognized the imperative for further bilateral cooperation,” he said at the same time acknowledged that “keeping and promoting the region’s peace and stability is a collective responsibility” founded on mutual trust, sincere dialogue and functional cooperation.
Minister Kano is also expected to pay his courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte later today.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)