Ambassador Laurel Presents Credentials to Emperor Akihito

(Photo caption): Amb. Jose C. Laurel V and Mrs. Milagros Ereñeta Laurel with the officers of the Philippine Embassy (L-R Minister Josel Ignacio, 1st Secretary Leah Rodriguez, Minister & Consul General Marian Jocelyn Ignacio, 3rd Secretary Andrea Leycano, 3rd Secretary Domini Kitade, 2nd Secretary Margret Malang, 2nd Secretary Cassandra Sawadjaan and Deputy Chief of Mission Eduardo Martin Meñez)

TOKYO – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V presented his credentials to Emperor Akihito on June 9, in rites held at the Imperial Palace.

In conversation taking place towards the end of the ceremony, the Emperor recalled his visits to the Philippines, most recently in January 2016, and conveyed his greetings to the Filipino people. Laurel, for his part, welcomed the excellent bonds prevailing between the Philippines and Japan, citing the relationship as a model of reconciliation, cooperation and brotherhood for other countries. The Ambassador assured the Emperor of his commitment to the further broadening and deepening bilateral ties, as he paid tribute to the legacy of his grandfather, President Jose P. Laurel, and his father, Jose S. Laurel III, who also served as Philippine Ambassador to Japan (1966-1971).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso was also present at the ceremony as Minister of State in attendance.

A native of Batangas, Laurel spent part of his childhood in Japan. Together with other illustrious members of the Laurel family, he has devoted his life to promoting cooperation, exchanges and mutual appreciation between the Filipino and Japanese peoples. The Ambassador was formerly Governor of Batangas, Chairman of the Executive Committee of YKK Philippines, Inc., and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation.