Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kono to visit PH — DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono will visit the Philippines from Saturday to Monday, Feb. 9 to 11, and will hold meetings with the country’s officials in Davao City, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Friday.

Kono’s official visit to the Philippines was made on the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.

On Sunday, Feb. 10, Kono will meet with Locsin to hold bilateral discussions on mutual interest including political, economic, and people-to-people engagement, especially Japan’s support for infrastructure development and for Mindanao in light of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Kono is also scheduled to call on President Duterte and meet with other Cabinet officials while in Davao. Kono will also grace the inauguration of the Japanese Consulate General in Davao.

The DFA said Kono’s visit is a testament to the “strengthened strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan” and an “affirmation” of the longstanding bilateral friendship” between the two countries. /muf