President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday conveyed his sincere appreciation to Japan for its “enduring commitment” to supporting his administration’s development priorities.
President Marcos affirmed the Philippines’ “sustained commitment” to further strengthening the enduring and strategic partnership with Japan, the Philippines’ second-largest economic partner and a major source of trade, investment, and development assistance.
“On behalf of the Filipino people, I would like to thank Japan for its enduring commitment to support the development goals of this administration – in economic and development cooperation, security and defense fields, health, peace and security in Mindanao, information and communications technology and various other sectors,” President Marcos said.
The President warmly welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his delegation during an official banquet held at Malacañang Palace.
“I assure Your Excellency of the sustained commitment of the Philippines to the positive trajectory of our relations as we approach the 70th year of the normalization of our diplomatic ties next year,” the President told the Japanese leader.
Saying that he looks forward to the future of the mutually-beneficial cooperation, President Marcos also expressed hope and confidence “that our two peoples will continue to benefit from our diplomacy, and that we realize our aspirations for regional peace, prosperity, and stability as we stand together as strategic partners.”
The President also acknowledged the significance of Prime Minister Ishiba’s first official visit to the Philippines, emphasizing its value not only for the present but also for the future of both nations.
President Marcos noted that the visit continues the longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between the Philippines and Japan, reflecting the strength and depth of their bilateral relationship.
During last year’s ASEAN-related summit meetings in Laos, President Marcos and Ishiba had an opportunity to briefly meet and discuss on the sidelines the strengthening of the Philippine-Japan bilateral relations, which reaffirmed future-oriented strategic partnership.
Japan has contributed significantly to the peace efforts in Mindanao. Japan has also supported the Philippines’ defense modernization through its Official Security Assistance program.
Ishiba, accompanied by his wife, Yoshiko, is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit. | PND
