The enduring partnership between Manila and Tokyo took many great leaps forward during Kazuhiko Koshikawa’s tenure as Japanese ambassador to the Philippines, an achievement celebrated in Malacañan Palace in a send-off hosted for the remarkable diplomatic mission that ended on 5 March.
Koshikawa’s watch opened wider Japan’s eyes on the Philippines in terms of cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment and infrastructure development.
“On the security side, much has been achieved. We are now talking about the cooperation between the US, Japan and the Philippines, and that’s proceeding very well,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
During Koshikawa, Japan and the Philippines had laid down the groundwork for trilateral cooperation with the US.
Existing dialogue mechanisms further deepened defense and security cooperation, which also witnessed the conclusion of the Official Security Assistance through brand new Coastal Radar Systems.
“Furthermore, maintaining a maritime order based on the rule of law is the most important common objectives of most countries,” Koshikawa said.
Japan’s contributions to developing the Philippines’ agriculture also merits noting, what with its experts to help the Philippine government in capacity-building.
The envoy is also notable in his crucial role in providing Japanese assistance to the Philippines to develop Bangsamoro.
“Japan will continue to support the Mindanao peace process, in particular, in the election scheduled next year. The Japanese government is ready to consider the assistance necessary for the implementation of the election laws.”
According to Koshikawa, Japan is firm in its support to the administration’s infrastructure projects, think the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway and the Davao Bypass Construction.
Koshikawa was conferred the Sikatuna, an “order of diplomatic merit given to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines.”
He is succeeded by ambassador-designate Endo Kazuya.
Koshikawa expressed his desire to visit the Philippines as a tourist soon.
The Philippines and Japan will celebrate 68 years of relations (and 12 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership since 2011) in July.