Japan foreign minister meets with Duterte in Davao City

President Rodrigo Duterte met Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Davao City on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019. Also at the meeting (partially covered) were Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel IV. (Photo by ACE MORANDANTE / Presidential Photographers Division)

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono met on Saturday with President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City as part of his three-day official visit to the Philippines.

During their meeting, Kono noted Japan’s willingness to continue its support for the development of Mindanao as he welcomed the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

READ: Yes votes have it: Law creating Bangsamoro region ratified

According to Malacañan Palace, Japan’s top diplomat also extended his sympathy to the victims of the deadly twin explosions at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo which killed 22 and injured at least 100 others.

The Palace also said that Duterte felt “honored” to have received Kono in his hometown.

The Japanese official made the visit on the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.

READ: Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kono to visit PH — DFA

Kono’s schedule during his visit included the inauguration of the Japanese Consulate General in Davao City.

He was accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Davao Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa.

Also present at the courtesy call, besides Locsin, were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said that Kono’s visit would serve as a testament to the “strengthened strategic partnership and an “affirmation” of the “longstanding bilateral friendship” between the Philippines and Japan.

Japan’s top envoy, the DFA noted, also engaged in a bilateral meeting with Locsin on Sunday, during which they discussed areas of mutual interest, such as political, economic, and people-to-people engagement. /atm