1. On July 1, H.E. Mr. Osamu Fujimura, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy to the Inauguration Ceremony of President and Vice-President of the Philippines, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines at the Malacanang Palace.
2. During the meeting with the President, State Secretary Fujimura transmitted the congratulatory message from the Emperor of Japan and also expressed on behalf of the Government of Japan congratulations on the inauguration of President Aquino. He also expressed hope that the two countries would further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries under the new administrations on both sides, led by Prime Minister Kan and President Aquino respectively.
State Secretary Fujimura further stated that Japan, as the top donor to the Philippines, would remain committed to assisting the Philippines through the ODA (Official Development Assistance), and informed the President that the Japanese government had newly approved a project to provide the public schools in Luzon and Visayas region with personal computers(*).
Furthermore, State Secretary Fujimura renewed the Japanese commitment to supporting and contributing to the Mindanao Peace Process.
3. In response, President Aquino expressed his appreciation for the Japanese support to the Philippines through ODA and its contribution to the Mindanao Peace Process. He also stated that his administration would address the task of improving the business environment for the Japanese companies.
4. State Secretary Fujimura also referred to the inauguration speech by the President which stressed the importance of education. Both sides shared the view that it is most important for the state to prioritize and provide consistent support to basic education to ensure a better future for children.
(*) Note: The project will provide the total of 7,750 desktop computers to 775 public high schools in Luzon and Visayas, giving 170,000 students a hands-on experience with computers. 775 teachers are also expected to train themselves in using computers as education material.
Japanese Version
