Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko took a ride on the “new and improved” Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, the rehabilitation of which was partly funded by a loan from the Japanese government.
(Photo from Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya via X post)
In a post on X on Sunday, July 7, by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, the visiting foreign minister was shown in one of the train cars with other officials.
“Full speed ahead towards progress! Sharing FM Kamikawa’s excitement riding the new and improved MRT-3, along with the Government of Japan’s commitment towards supporting more (Philippine) development projects in the future!,” the envoy wrote.
Last year, the Philippines and Japan signed a loan agreement for up to 17.4 billion yen to fund the second phase of the rehabilitation of the MRT-3.
The rehabilitation involves the maintenance of the line and its connection to the Common Station with the existing Light Rail Transit Line 1, the MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway, which are still being built.
Aside from the MRT-3, the foreign minister also visited a recruitment agency, which processes the Filipino applicants looking for jobs in Japan.
“Glad to join FM Kamikawa's visit to a PH recruitment agency today! Huge respect for their work connecting Filipinos with overseas opportunities. May this visit open more pathways for progress for OFWs in Japan!,” Endo said.
She also dropped by local specialty bookstore Fully Booked, which carries numerous Japanese titles, manga, and other items.
(Photo from Amb. Endo Kazuya/X)
“The warm welcome of the staff sparked FM's interest in (Philippine) literature as we discovered books on history & culture. Many (Japanese) titles are also popular among Filipino readers, highlighting our strong cultural ties,” the ambassador shared.
Kamikawa, as well as Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, are in the Philippines for the 2nd Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2), the highest consultative mechanism that will deepen security and defense policy coordination between Manila and Tokyo.
On Monday, July 8, Kamikawa and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. signed the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) to strengthen both countries’ defense cooperation.