Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
April 11, 2024

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo holds a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Minister Kamikawa Yoko in Washington, D.C., United States of America on April 11, 2024.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Manalo conveys his appreciation to Minister Kamikawa for today’s meeting ahead of their respective leaders’ participation to the historic Trilateral United States-Japan-Philippines Leaders’ Summit at the White House.

“I think the last time we met was in December of last year and I believe that since then, our bilateral relations have really expanded and grown much stronger so I think it’s also very opportune, and I thank you for proposing this meeting that gives us a good chance to go over the progress of our relationship. And also think ahead on how to strengthen it further,” DFA Secretary Manalo states.

In response, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa expresses her gratitude for holding a bilateral meeting with her counterpart to deepen relationship between the two countries.

“As the world is facing the complex set of crisis, it is extremely important to strengthen multi-layered network of cooperation through Japan-Philippines bilateral and Japan-U.S.-Philippines trilateral cooperation in order to boost, maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and promote regional economic development as well as address the world issues together,” Minister Kamikawa says.

Joining Secretary Manalo are Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano (Embassy of the Philippines in Japan), DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro (Office of the Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Affairs), and Shirley Flores-Imperial (First Secretary and Consul)

From the Japanese side, Minister Kamikawa is accompanied by Nakai Yuichi (Director, Second Southeast Asia Division) and Kato Yota (Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator, Foreign Policy Bureau).

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