Statement by Mr. Yohei Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Resignation of President Joseph Estrada and the Inauguration of the New President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Republic of the Philippines

January 20, 2001

On the resignation of President Estrada and the oath of office taken by Vice-president Arroyo as the new president of the Republic of the Philippines, the Government of Japan hopes that the new administration will make a smooth start under the leadership of President Arroyo.
The Government of Japan also intends to continue close cooperation with the new Arroyo administration to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and the Philippines, which President Estrada made his utmost efforts to promote.

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