SALUDO VISITS JAPAN

Congressman Aniceto G. Saludo Jr. recently visited Japan, along with other top legislators of the country, in an effort by the Philippine government to strengthen ties with the government of Japan.

Saludo, who is a member of the Philippine-Japan Parliamentarians Association (PJPA), said that their visit, which is one of the major activities of the Association, is essential in the enhancement of closer and better understanding and goodwill between the two countries. 

The team, which along with Saludo is composed by Senators John Osmeña, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Robert Jaworski, Panfilo Lacson and Representatives Didagen Dilangalen, Imee Marcos, and Alfredo Marañon, is geared to address inter-parliamentary issues with their Japanese counterparts.

According to Saludo, Japan has been the country’s major partner in countryside infrastructure development projects and other economic programs.  He emphasized that having economic and political exchanges with the Japanese leaders is paramount. 

The solon cited that the Philippines has become one of Japan’s top recipients of official development assistance (ODA).  Japan, likewise, has become the Philippines’ top source of external development funds.  Records show that Japan has provided the Philippines some US$ 7.7 Billion in on-going ODA loans making the Philippines among the largest recipients of Japan’s ODA.

Saludo said that the vital role that Japan has played in the Philippine economy has made the exchanges of visits between high-level officials between the two governments imperative.  This articulates the importance of the bilateral relationship between Japan and the Philippines in all areas of cooperation.

The conduct of political exchanges between the Philippines and Japan has strengthened efforts to address bilateral issues and concerns.  It is for this reason that policy dialogues and consultations have not only been useful in clarifying issues but also in finding a common ground between the Philippines and Japan upon which mutual interests could be served.

(Released on July 2, 2002)