The Philippines is exploring possible areas of cooperation with the Japanese City of Katsushika following its successful hosting of the first Philippine Expo last October.
This surfaced during the meeting between Katsushika City Mayor Katsunori Aoki and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V at the Philippine Embassy early this week.
Laurel exchanged views with Aoki and other city officials who accompanied the mayor on ways to further strengthen the relations of the city with the Embassy and the Philippines in general, through active people-to-people exchanges.
The Japanese local chief executive conveyed his gratitude to Laurel for choosing Shin-Koiwa Park in Katsushika City as the venue for the Philippine Expo 2020.
“It was a great opportunity for local residents to learn more about Filipino culture, consistent with the city’s advocacy to promote international exchange”, Aoki told the Philippine envoy.
While thanking the Mayor for his visit, Laurel echoed his desire to pursue stronger relations even as he shared his views on possible areas of cooperation and platforms that can be utilized to pursue these exchanges.
The City of Katsushika is currently engaged in various international exchange programs with other countries and it plans to expand its partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.
According to Embassy estimates, there are currently around 1,600 Filipinos living in Katsushika City.
Known for its green spaces and Buddhist temples, Katsushika is located in the east end of Tokyo and approximately 30 kilometers away from the Japanese capital.