His Excellency Former President Fidel V. Ramos,
His Excellency Albert Del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs,
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Friends:
First of all, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the heartfelt messages of sympathies and condolences you have extended to the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the Northeastern part of Japan in March. In addition, let me express my deep appreciation for the relief goods sent by the Philippine Government, and for the donations made by many companies, many associations and many people in the Philippines. The Government and people of Japan, with the assistance extended by the international community including the Philippines, are making all-out efforts to overcome the enormous challenges brought about by this earthquake and tsunami.
Tonight, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the friendship and support you have so kindly extended to me and to Yasko, my wife. It has been a great honor and pleasure to serve as Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines for more than three years and a half.
Upon my arrival in September 2007, it was of primary importance for me to ensure the early ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
A year later, the JPEPA did enter into force in December 2008, after strenuous efforts I had made in cooperation with many dedicated people from both countries to ensure the ratification by the Senate. According to the recent statistics of the Philippines' authorities concerned, Japan became the first destination of Philippine export to the world last year, and the first source of the Philippine import from the world in 2009 and last year. The Japanese Foreign Direct Investments represented almost 30 % of all the FDIs which the Philippines received from the world last year.
The two Governments agreed in June 2009 to foster a strategic partnership for the future, as we share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. This was reconfirmed, after the change of the governments in both countries, at the first meeting between the new President and the new Prime Minister in Hanoi in October last year.
It is my sincere wish that our two countries will enhance further the cooperative relations, not only for our mutual benefits, but also for the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.
I am confident, in spite of the aftermath of earthquake and tsunami, that Japan will continue to assist as much as possible the Philippines' nation building efforts as the largest partner of the Official Development Assistance, including assistance to the peace building efforts in Mindanao.
My wife and I will be leaving the Philippines at the end of this month amidst the unprecedented natural disaster in Japan. I would like to request you to understand that all the Japanese Ambassadors in the world are instructed to refrain from serving any alcoholic drinks and from proposing a toast at receptions.
So, without proposing a toast, may I reiterate our deepest thanks to everyone for the everlasting friendship which my wife and I will cherish lifelong.
I also hope that you will extend to my successor Ambassador Urabe the same spirit of cooperation and assistance.
All the best and Mabuhay!
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines