New Japanese envoy vows to continue boosting peace process

Saying his arrival has an air of "destiny," Japan's new ambassador to the Philippines reassured Filipinos of his commitment to boost the peace process in Mindanao.

In his arrival statement last Wednesday, new Japanese envoy Toshinao Urabe said it is both his duty and his joy to further develop closer ties between the Philippines and Japan.

"My mission is to develop this strategic partnership. Indeed, I consider myself extremely lucky to be the Japanese ambassador to the Philippines because it is a joy as well as my duty to develop this win-win relationship between my two home countries," he said.

The new envoy said Japan's commitment to assist economic and social development of the Philippines is constant.

Japan and the Philippines are geographically close island countries and share similar values such as democracy and free market principles, he said.

Apart from being the largest donor of official development assistance to the Philippines, Japan is now observing the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement to enhance closer trade and investment relations.

"Our political dialogue is also intensifying and Japan is trying hard to facilitate the peace process in Mindanao," he added.

Forever grateful

In 1954, Urabe attended kindergarten at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School in Manila at age 4.

At the time, he said anti-Japan sentiments were still quite raw but the Filipinos received him warmly. "My parents were forever grateful," he added.

According to Urabe, his late father went to the Philippines in 1969 and served as Japanese Ambassador until 1974.

"Mahal ko ang Pilipinas! In fact, today is his birthday. I cannot help myself sensing destiny being here," he said.

Meanwhile, Urabe expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the warm sympathies and support extended by the government and the people of the Philippines.

"For the people of Japan facing the aftermath of the [March 11] disaster, such heartwarming encouragement is very much appreciated. A friend in need is a friend indeed," he said. — JE, GMA News

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