President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. renewed on Friday the Philippine government’s commitment with Japan in sustaining the vigor of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
In his toast remarks for Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said that the Filipino people are grateful for the support extended by the Japanese to the Philippines.
“Excellency, please bring home this message to the Japanese people, that for their support, the Filipino people are grateful. Let us renew our commitment to sustaining the vigor of this relationship in its prime,” Marcos said.
President Marcos made the remarks during the official banquet in honor of Prime Minister Kishida and his wife Madame Kishida Yuko and other ministers and officials from both the Philippines and Japan.
The President also proposed a toast to the good health of Madame Kishida, to the prosperity and well-being of the Japanese nation and to the enduring spring time of the friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
“Excellency, you will recall that we expressed our ambition for a robust and future-oriented Strategic Partnership, one that will carry us through the uncertainty of our times,” President Marcos said.
“We also articulated our long-held aspiration for the enduring friendship as the leaders of two great maritime nations and Indo-Pacific democracies,” the President added during the banquet held in honor of the Japanese guests.
President Marcos noted that the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan have been cultivated by common principles of democracy, respect for basic human rights and the rule of law since it was established 67 years ago.
“Japan has provided us steadfast support and unwavering friendship through many decades. With patient and undistracted focus, we are building our realm of freedom, prosperity, and security together in the Indo-Pacific,” the chief executive said.
Japan Prime Minister Kishida is in the Philippines for a two-day visit along with the Japanese delegation. PND
