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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Tokyo's donation of 1M AstraZeneca vaccines testament to Japan's 'deep-rooted' friendship with PH - PM Suga

Tokyo's donation of 1M AstraZeneca vaccines testament to Japan's 'deep-rooted' friendship with PH - PM Suga

Published Jul 8, 2021 09:39 pm

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide on Thursday said the delivery of around one million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines is a “clear testament to the deep-rooted bonds of friendship” between the two nations.

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide

Describing the Philippines as Japan’s “true friend closer than a brother”, Suga said the two countries will work together in unison to overcome the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Japan and the Philippines are commemorating this year the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership.

“Japan has ensured to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines. This initiative is a clear testament to the deep-rooted bonds of friendship between our two nations. As we commemorate this year the 65th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of our strategic partnership, Japan will work to surpass the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, in unison with the Philippines, a true friend closer than a brother,” Suga said in a statement released by the Japanese Embassy in Manila.

Official logo of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations (Embassy of Japan)

Japanese Embassy Economic Minister Nakata Masahiro joined IATF chief Carlito Galvez, National Task Force Against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Vince Dizon and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go in welcoming the arrival of the Japan-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a June 15, 2021 press briefing in Tokyo, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu announced the donation of AstraZeneca vaccines to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries to support the global effort to fight the spread of the pandemic.

Two weeks later, the governments of Japan and the Philippines signed an agreement to formalize the vaccine provision.

“The quick dispatch of these pledged vaccines is seen to contribute to the Philippines’ goal of herd immunity, along with the recently approved project of Japan and the Philippines for cold chain facility development,” the Embassy of Japan said in a statement.

On July 6, 2021, Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koshikawa Kazuhiko and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. signed a Y687 million grant for the setting up of cold chain logistics facility to help the Philippines hasten the safe and efficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the provinces.

Related Tags

AstraZeneca vaccines Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide covid-19 Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
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