FM Kono meets Duterte in Davao City

February 10, 2019

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono called on President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City on Saturday, February 9.

In a statement on Sunday, Malacanang said that Kono reiterated Japan's continuous support in the development of Mindanao.

The visiting Japanese official also welcomed the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and expressed sympathy to the victims of the twin blasts that rocked a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on January 27, leaving 22 people dead and over a hundred others wounded.

Duterte, during their meeting at Matina Enclaves, said he was honored that Kono is in his hometown.

Foreign Minister Kono is in the country for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Part of the official’s agenda is the inauguration ceremony of the Japanese Consulate General in Davao.

He said Japan is pleased to be able to open up a new consulate general in Davao City.

Kono was accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Davao Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa.

Also present during the courtesy call were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that Kono's visit is a “testament to the strengthened strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, and an affirmation of our long-standing bilateral friendship.” DMS