Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono arriving in Philippines

Taro Kono—AFP

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono will arrive on Saturday for a three-day official visit, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Kono will meet with Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Sunday in Davao City “to hold bilateral discussions on areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, and people-to-people engagement, especially Japan’s support for infrastructure development and for Mindanao in the wake of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” the DFA said in a statement.

While in Davao, Kono will also call on President Duterte and meet with other Cabinet officials. The minister will also grace the inauguration ceremony of the Japanese consulate in Davao.

“The visit of Foreign Minister Kono is a testament to the strengthened strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan,” the DFA said.—JEROME ANING