Toshinao Urabe eagerly took up his post as the new Japanese envoy to Manila by working toward developing a “win-win relationship" between the nations he considers as his home countries.
Speaking of an air of “destiny," Urabe assured Filipinos of his commitment to boost the peace process in Mindanao.
“Mahal ko ang Pilipinas!" the envoy said.
At age 4, Urabe attended kindergarten at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School in Manila in 1954, and Urabe’s late father served as Japanese Ambassador to Manila in 1969-1974.
Citing common values like democracy and free market principles, he also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to assisting the Philippines’ economic and social development.
Aside from being the largest donor of Official Development Assistance to the Philippines, Japan observes the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA — meant to enhance closer trade and investment relations.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude at the warm sympathy and support shown by the Philippines to Japan.
“For the people of Japan facing the aftermath of this unprecedented disaster, such heartwarming encouragement is very much appreciated. A friend in need is a friend indeed," he said referring to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit his country and brought on a nuclear radiation disaster. — AY/MRT/VS,
