On November 4, Ambassador Kitagawa Katsuro paid a courtesy call on Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on Japan-Philippines agricultural cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral collaboration in the agriculture sector.

Ambassador Kitagawa expressed his appreciation for Laurel’s support during President Ferdinand Marcos’ state visit to Japan in May.

Following the elevation of Japan-Philippines relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Ambassador Kitagawa expressed his confidence that cooperation in the agricultural sector would likewise be strengthened and elevated to a higher level.

He underscored the significance of the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the DA and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on agricultural cooperation.

Ambassador Kitagawa also expressed his enthusiasm for the participation of the Philippines to the Green Expo 2027 in Yokohama, Japan, describing these occasions as important milestones in further advancing Japan-Philippines agricultural relations.

He further noted ongoing collaborative initiatives, including the Project for the Establishment of a Rice Processing System, which is under implementation. Japan Information and Culture Center