Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan and Groria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines agreed, at the Summit meeting held in Tokyo on June 18, to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations to foster a strategic partnership for the future.
After the meeting, the joint statement, “Fostering a Strategic Partnership for the Future between Close Neighbors” was released.
Following the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony between Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo on two (2) ODA loans and one (1) grant project.
Highlights of the Two Leaders' meeting are as follows,
• Investment and Job Creation : The two leaders affirmed their intention to encourage Japan's investment to the Philippines, utilizing the framework of JPEPA, in view of creation of employment in the Philippines and boosting demand in the region, coupled with strengthened dialogue with private sectors focusing on institutional and human resource development.
• Financial Cooperation: The two leaders welcomed the substantial progress of regional financial cooperation initiatives including the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) and Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI) . They also welcomed that the consultation has started on a yen swap arrangement and Samurai Bond issuance support.
• Economic Growth: The two leaders agreed to explore concrete bilateral cooperation under Japan's “Growth Initiative towards Doubling the Size of Asia's Economy”.
• Mindanao peace process: Prime Minister Aso emphasized th e importance of maximum self-restraint on both GRP and MILF sides in avoiding escalation of hostilities and the early resumption of the peace negotiations . President Arroyo expressed determination to achieve these goals. She also i ndicated the Philippine Government's desire to secu re redeployment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and requested Japan's cooperation including the continued presence of the two advisers. Prime Minister expressed his full support to the peace process.
• Maritime Safety: President Arroyo expressed her appreciation for Japan's counter-piracy measures off the Samarian coast and in the Malacca Straits, including the dispatch of vessels and maritime patrol aircrafts of the Self-Defense Force.
• North Korea: T he two leaders welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1874, which “condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on 25 May 2009 in violation and flagrant disregard of its relevant resolutions.” Prime Minister Aso underlined the need to comprehensively resolve the outstanding issues concerning North Korea including the abduction, nuclear and missile issues, to which President Arroyo expressed her full-fledged support and cooperation.
• UNSC: President Arroyo reiterated the Philippines' strong support for Japan's permanent membership in United Nations Security Council.
• Climate change: Prime Minister Aso expressed his appreciation for the Philippines' support of the "Cool Earth Promotion Programme" and expressed his intention to continue to cooperate pursuant to the Philippine's request.
Japan- Philippines Joint Statement
