Japan’s new ambassador to PH arrives; vows closer ties, friendship

Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa. (Courtesy of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines — The new ambassador of Japan to the Philippines has vowed to forge closer bilateral relations and friendship between the two nations as he arrived in the country on Thursday.

“As my diplomatic mission here in the Philippines begins, I shall exert every possible effort to further galvanize the foundations that make our bilateral ties special,” Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a statement sent by the embassy on Friday.

“I look forward to working with the people of the Philippines in realizing my commitments,” he added.

Koshikawa is succeeding former Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, who ended his tour of duty in Manila earlier this month.

The new ambassador previously served as the executive senior vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Koshikawa also served as the Japanese ambassador to Spain from 2014 to 2016 and to Angola from 2008 to 2011.

“The relationship between our two countries is a shining example of cooperation and mutual understanding that our forebears have nurtured. I am delighted to have this opportunity to scale new heights of the bilateral relations and forge even closer friendship,” Koshikawa said.

“The formidable ties that bind Japan and the Philippines together have undoubtedly ushered us into the ‘golden age’ of the Strategic Partnership. This incredible feat in our relations is one that encompasses a dynamic narrative of growth and trust,” he added.

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