(03 February 2021) — The newly designated Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, His Excellency Kazuhiko Koshikawa, visited the Secretary of Health, Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, at the Office of the Secretary last 01 February 2021 (10:30 AM). The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Masahiro Nakata (Economic Minister) and Mr. Chihiro Kanno (First Secretary and Labor Attaché). The Bureau of International Health Cooperation was duly represented by Director Maria Soledad Q. Antonio.

During the courtesy call, the conversation focused on the strong bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, which remains robust due to the consistent support of the Japanese government and its Japan International Cooperation Agency. The Secretary and the Ambassador also exchanged views on the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, the search for COVID-19 vaccines and drugs, and the need to support healthy and active ageing and human resource development for both countries. At the end of the call, both the Secretary and the Ambassador expressed support to the continuous pursuit of health cooperation between the two countries.

(left) H.E. Kazuhiko Koshikawa converses with the Secretary of Health. The Secretary was joined by Director Antonio, who represented BIHC. (right) The Ambassador of Japan receives a token from the Secretary of Health

Photos from the Bureau of International Health Cooperation, Department of Health - Philippines