JAPANESE ENVOY. President Rodrigo Duterte watches as Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who is shown on-screen, presents his letter of credence to the President during the virtual presentation of credentials at the Malacañang Palace on Monday (Dec. 14, 2020). Duterte also received the credentials of Most Reverend Charles John Brown, the new Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See to the Philippines. (Presidential photo by Karl Norman Alonzo)
MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received the credentials of two diplomats—Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles John Brown, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko on Monday afternoon.
He first received the credentials of Brown in a virtual presentation of credentials at Malacañan Palace.
In his speech, Duterte said he was excited to work with Brown on matters concerning migrant Filipinos as the Philippines and Vatican celebrate 70 years of close diplomatic ties and 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines.
“I look forward to working closely with the Holy See to further advance our shared advocacies on migrants protection and climate action for the Philippines. These are issues which are a matter of uplifting human dignity and securing the lives of the most disadvantaged,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for Brown’s call to protect the dignity of human life including migrants.
“There are estimated 10 million Filipinos overseas with close to 3,500 in the Vatican City. The Holy See's call for all countries to protect the dignity of human life including of migrants regardless of status is much appreciated,” he added.
Duterte, meanwhile, welcomed Pope Francis’ declaration of a global climate emergency and the need for a collective response anchored on principles of equity and social justice.
“We appreciate Pope Francis’ expression of solidarity and prayers for the Filipino people who were affected by the typhoon Ulysses. Congratulations Excellency. I wish you a productive and meaningful stay in the Philippines. Please convey my most respective greeting to His Holiness Pope Francis,” he said.
Brown replaced Archbishop Gabriele Caccia who was appointed as the Holy Father’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York in November 2019.
His appointment was made public in Rome last September 28.
Brown was born in New York, USA on October 13, 1959 and was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of New York on May 13, 1989. From 1994, he was an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith in the Vatican.
Consecrated Archbishop on January 6, 2012, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland on November 26, 2011 and Apostolic Nuncio to Albania on March 9, 2017.
'Closer than a brother'
After accepting Brown’s credentials, Duterte also accepted the credentials of the new Japanese envoy and wished him a productive and fulfilling assignment in the Philippines.
“As a friend that is closer than a brother, Japan occupies a singular and special place in our foreign relations. Japan is a strategic partner and one of our most important partners in trade, investments and development cooperation,” Duterte said.
He thanked Japan for the assistance to the Philippines’ coronavirus disease response and for supporting the country’s development agenda through the years including my Build, Build, Build Program.
Duterte also expressed appreciation for Japan’s development assistance to Mindanao.
Meanwhile, he said he looked forward to celebrating collective gains as the Philippines and Japan mark the 65th year of the normalization of ties and the 10th year of our strengthened partnership.
“Let us celebrate our collective gains even if we recommit our shared aspirations for greater peace, progress, and prosperity for our countries and the region,” he said.
The Japanese envoy arrived in Manila on November 26.
Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Koshikawa served as Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
He had been Japanese ambassador to Spain from 2011 to 2016 and Angola from 2008 to 2011.
In a photo in one of his recent Tweets, he proudly showed three pieces of Barong Tagalog he bought and one he was wearing. (PNA)
