Chargés d'affaires ad interim YAMAMOTO Joins “the Commemoration Ceremony of the 75th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings”

On October 20th, Chargés d'affaires ad interim Minister Yasushi YAMAMOTO participated in the Commemorative ceremony for the 75th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings at the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo, Leyte. Officials of the government of the Philippines, dignitaries of the Japanese, US and Australian Embassies, and WW II veterans also graced the affair, which was hosted by the Province of Leyte and the municipality of Palo.

In his solidarity message, Minister YAMAMOTO expressed profound regret for the victims of war, and said that Japan “shall not forget that the peace and prosperity we enjoy today was built upon the precious sacrifices of those who gave their last full measure of devotion.”
 
He noted the growing partnership between Japan and the Philippines in recent years. Moreover, He said, “All countries, which are represented here today, share and cherish fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and are fully committed to supporting and strengthening a rules-based international order.” He also mentioned the importance of stronger relation among the countries gathered there.

Before and after attending the ceremony, Minister YAMAMOTO inspected the facilities and equipment that JICA had funded in support of rehabilitation efforts for the areas damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. At each facility, the local administrator and staff thanked Japan for its assistance through JICA.