25 October 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo this morning received the new Japanese Ambassador to Manila, H.E. Ryuichiro Yamazaki, who paid a courtesy call following his arrival over the weekend to assume the Manila post. During the meeting at the DFA, Ambassador Yamazaki expressed support for the 10-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, giving the assurance on behalf of his government to extend assistance on all facets of nation building. “We only need to receive a request from the Philippines to extend whatever help we could,” Ambassador Yamazaki assured Secretary Romulo.

The Japanese Ambassador also mentioned that on his flight from Tokyo to Manila, there were several Japanese businessmen and negotiators on board, indicating that Japan is determined to enhance bilateral trade with the Philippines. Secretary Romulo and Ambassador Yamazaki discussed the preparations for the Aichi Exposition, which the Secretary said he intends to attend.   Philippine Ambassador to Tokyo, Domingo L. Siazon, is busy preparing for the Aichi Expo where the Philippines could showcase its various products as well as promote the Philippines  as a major tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Secretary Romulo said.  Ambassador Yamazaki, in turn said, he knows Ambassador Siazon very well who is excited about the Aichi Exposition next year.

Secretary Romulo and Ambassador Yamazaki also discussed the cooperation between the Philippines and Japan on anti-terrorism, anti-piracy and international maritime issues. The Secretary also affirmed the Philippine’s support for the permanent membership of Japan to the United Nations Security Council. “In the United Nations General Assembly, I met with your Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and then Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi and reiterated the Philippines’ support for  Japan’s candidacy as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” Secretary Romulo said.   The Foreign Affairs Secretary expressed his anticipation for increased consultations between the Philippines and Japan on UN related issues and the WTO.

In response, Ambassador Yamazaki expressed his Government’s appreciation for the support of the Philippines adding that “I actually handled the issue of Japan’s membership to the UNSC before.”

Ambassador Yamazaki has been to the Philippines in 1973 and prior to his assignment in Manila, he served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations as well as Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The experience of Ambassador Yamazaki in trade negotiations and with his involvement in the World Trade Organization and the UNCTAD could result in enhanced bilateral trade and increased cooperation in the job-creation goal of President  Arroyo. END