Honorable Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Albert F. Del Rosario,
Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto
Excellencies, Colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. Ako ay nagagalak sa inyong pagdating ngayong gabi.
( Good evening to all of you. I am glad that you all came tonight .)
Thank you for coming this evening. We are here to celebrate the 79 th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. It is also an opportunity for me to thank all of you for your cooperation and support in the promotion of friendly relationship between Japan and the Philippines.
Indeed, I am happy to report that our relationship is excellent. Since my arrival, President Aquino visited Japan twice last year, and this year high-profile business and political missions have continued to flow between Japan and the Philippines. In particular, I would like to note the highly successful visit of Secretary Del Rosario last June. The Secretary has consolidated trust and understanding of the Japanese leadership towards the Philippines. As strategic partners sharing common values, Japan and the Philippines are cooperating in various international fora.
Also, I am proud of the role Japan played in the build up to the Mindanao Peace Framework Agreement. The road ahead is not easy. As Thomas Edison said “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” There are lots of work to do but let us not miss this opportunity. On our part Japan will continue to support peace in Mindanao.
So let us celebrate tonight . I have prepared Japanese delicacies from Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Wakayama and Yamagata Prefectures such as castella, botorgo, mandarin orange juice, melon, apple and pears. You can find them in our “Visit Japan” booths in the garden.
Now, please join me in a toast to the continued good health of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and to the everlasting friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
Kanpai ! Mabuhay!
