12 December 2003, Tokyo – In between the meetings of the leaders of ASEAN and Japan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi held a bilateral meeting and mapped out plans for further strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and Japan, particularly in economic and security areas.  The two foreign ministers also discussed the possibility of cooperating in the international arena.

“Minister Kawaguchi reiterated the commitment of the Japanese  Government to be actively involved in the future of the Philippines and in the future of our region.  Our partnership with Japan, as a country and as a member of ASEAN has helped create a vibrant and secure region, with a bright future ahead for us all,” Secretary Ople said after his meeting with Minister Kawaguchi.

The Secretary said that he and Minister Kawaguchi agreed to push bilateral cooperation into other areas, including the need to join hands in addressing current threats to the safety of the region.  “We agreed to cooperate in improving maritime safety in our region, particularly by improving the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard.  She also agreed to assist the Philippines in building its capacity in terms of fighting terrorism, through training and the provision of modern counter-terrorism equipment,” Secretary Ople said. Both Ministers also agreed to implement reforms that would help ensure the smooth flow of official development funding and the efficient completion of official development projects.

In the international arena, Minister Kawaguchi congratulated Secretary Ople for the Philippine victory in the Security Council and pledged to fully support the Philippines in the Council.  “Minister Kawaguchi expressed the hope that the Philippines and Japan will be able to work together, if only for a year, in the Security Council,” the Secretary said.  The Philippines will be on the Security Council in 2004-2005 while Japan hopes to obtain a seat for 2005-2006. “We discussed the current issues facing the United Nations and agreed to consult and
cooperate on the issues that are important to both our countries, including the issue of the reform of the Security Council,” Secretary Ople said.

Before ending the meeting, Minister Kawaguchi expressed her strong desire to visit the Philippines sometime next year.  Secretary Ople replied that the Philippines would gladly and warmly welcome her to the Philippines. END.