Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa (Photo by OVP MPRD)

MANDALUYONG CITY, 21 September 2022 – Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa called on Vice President Sara Z. Duterte at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Central Office in Mandaluyong City.

During the call, Ambassador Koshikawaand Vice President Duterte discussed the latter’s upcoming official visit to Japan to attend the state funeral for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

They also discussed overall bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Japan including Official Development Assistance (ODA), trade, and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). Japan is among the Philippines’ most important bilateral economic partners. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as of December 2021, Japan remains to be the Philippines’ largest source of ODA. In 2021, Japan is also the 2nd largest trading partner and 2nd largest net FDI source.The Ambassador added that Japan is the top contributor to Build Build Build. The Vice President expressed her hope that these will continue during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On education cooperation, the Ambassador expressed their readiness to assist on any education-related project. He shared about their scholarships for Filipino students studying in Japan. He also shared some distinctive qualities of Japanese schools and students and how these contribute to public morality.

Ambassador Koshikawa signs the Guest Book of the Office of the Vice President (Photo by OVP MPRD)

On cooperation for the Mindanao Peace Process, the Ambassador shared about some of their activities and grant aid projects in partnership with other organizations,such as their assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by Typhoon Odette and disarmament efforts. Japan reports to have contributed to Mindanao peace and development through more than 100 projects since 2002. The Japanese Ambassador recognized the huge potential of the island region and looks forward to a peaceful Mindanao. The Vice President thanked the Ambassador for their support to peace initiatives in Mindanao.