Prime Minister Meets with President of Philippines

Wednesday, December 4, 2002

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. During the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi emphasized Japan's intention to fulfill a positive role in the stability of the region and promised the Philippines an aid package to help the underdeveloped region of Mindanao, which also comes within the sweep of anti-terrorism measures. President Arroyo expressed her gratitude for the support, praising the role being played by Japan not only in the economic field but in the security arena. After the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi and President Arroyo signed the "Joint Statement on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership" and the "Support Package for Peace and Stability in Mindanao." In the evening, Prime Minister Koizumi hosted a dinner for President Arroyo at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the dinner, Prime Minister congratulated President Arroyo on the birth of a grandchild, and expressed his desire to continue to strengthen the partnership between Japan and the Philippines.

LINK:	Joint Statement on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership
	Support Package for Peace and Stability in Mindanao