MANILA, Philippines - Japan’s National Day reception was held on Dec. 4 in celebration of the 79th Birthday of His Majesty Akihito, the Emperor of Japan, at the Japanese ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park, Makati City, which was attended by Foreign Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, National Security Adviser Gen. Cesar Garcia, Political Adviser Ronaldo Llamas, members of the diplomatic community in Manila, and many Philippine dignitaries and friends of Japan.
At the opening ceremony, Toshinao Urabe, the Ambassador of Japan, expressed his thanks to every attendant for the cooperation and support in promoting friendly relationship between Japan and the Philippines. He stressed that Japan-Philippines relationship has been excellent as strategic partners sharing common values and cooperating in various international fora.
Ambassador Urabe also said he was proud of the role Japan played in the process of the Mindanao Peace Framework Agreement and Japan would continue to support lasting peace in Mindanao.
On this occasion, a special “Visit Japan” booth was set up to promote products and tourist destinations, namely Kyushu, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kansai, Wakayama, Tochigi, and Yamagata Prefectures.