President Rodrigo R. Duterte has officially accepted the credentials of the new Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines and Vatican’s new Apostolic Nuncio in a virtual ceremony Monday, December 14.
As he accepted the credentials of the new Japan’s new Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, President Duterte pointed out that “Japan occupies a singular and special place” in the country’s foreign relations and a “strategic partner and one of our most important partners in trade, investments, and development cooperation.”
He emphasized that Japan is a “friend closer than a brother.”
“Next year, we will mark the 65th year of the normalization of our ties, and the 10th year of our strategic partnership. Let us celebrate our collective gains even as we recommit to our shared aspirations for greater peace, progress, and prosperity for our countries and the region,” he encouraged.
For the Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See Most Reverend Charles John Brown, the Chief Executive looks forward to working closely with the Holy See to “further advance our shared advocacies of migrants’ protection and climate action.”
Pres. Duterte disclosed that “there are an estimated 10 million Filipinos overseas, with close to 3,500 in the Vatican City.”
He added that “the Holy See’s call for all countries to “protect the dignity of human life”, including of migrants’ regardless of the status, is much appreciated.”
Pres. Duterte also welcomed Pope Francis’ declaration of a global climate emergency and the need for a collective response anchored on the principles of equity and social justice.
He then expressed gratitude towards the Pope’s expression of solidarity and prayers for the Filipinos affected by Typhoon Ulysses. – PTV News Online
