Asia

Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Opening ceremony of the Consulate-General of Japan in Davao

February 19th, 2019
Bettina Kreisz, News from Berlin
20190219_Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers.jpg

During his visit to the Philippines to attend the opening ceremony of the Consulate-General of Japan in Davao on February 10, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a foreign ministers' meeting with his counterpart, H.E. Teodoro Lopez Locsin Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.

In opening remarks Minister Kono expressed his firm belief that the opening of the Consulate-General of Japan in Davao, a city that has deep historical connections with Japan, would further strengthen the bonds that are shared between the people of Japan and the Philippines. In response, Secretary Locsin emphasized that the Philippines welcomes the opening of Japan's Consulate-General in Davao and that he would work to enhance relations with Japan.

Both ministers welcomed the significant progress that has been made in bilateral security cooperation, including the transfer of defense equipment and technology and the implementation of joint exercises. Minister Kono highlighted that the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific is a goal for the entire region. Both ministers agreed to continue to engage in cooperation for capacity building in maritime security-related areas, and strongly opposed any attempts that seek to unilaterally change the status quo.

References

News from Berlin