QUEZON CITY — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, addressing a special joint session of the Philippine Congress, emphasized the robust ties between Japan and the Philippines, marking a ‘golden age’ in their bilateral relationship and reiterating his country’s commitment to elevating these connections.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke on Saturday at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, the Philippines is an essential partner for Japan, hosting more than 300,000 Filipino residents. He honored the privilege of being the first Japanese Prime Minister to address the Congress of the Philippines, reflecting on the historical speech by former Prime Minister Fukuda Takeo in Manila during President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.’s era, which underscored the significance of building a trusting heart-to-heart relationship with Southeast Asia.
The Japanese Prime Minister recalled the visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in January 2016, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations normalization, and noted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to Japan, alongside other exchanges that demonstrate the thriving partnership, such as defense, security cooperation, economic investments, and climate change initiatives.
In defense and security, Kishida highlighted Japan’s contribution of 12 ships to the Philippine Coast Guard and a surveillance radar to the Philippine Air Force. Additionally, on Friday, Japan agreed to provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippine Navy, representing the first project under Japan’s new Official Security Assistance framework. The leaders of both countries agreed to begin negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement, aiming to strengthen strategic cooperation.
On economic and investment fronts, Kishida acknowledged Japan as the Philippines’ leading donor and a major investor. With the ongoing 600-billion-yen assistance program, Japan supports the Philippines’ economic and social development, aligning with President Marcos’ infrastructure ambitions and investing in decarbonization efforts.
Kishida also pointed to the aligned efforts in addressing global challenges like nuclear disarmament, with Japan co-hosting an event on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, and on climate change, anticipating cooperation on the Asia Zero Emissions Community concept.
The Prime Minister welcomed the memorandum of cooperation in tourism and expressed optimism for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, co-hosted by Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, to foster greater intergenerational ties.
Kishida stressed the people-to-people connections as the relationship’s foundation, recalling mutual support during natural disasters — the 2011 East Japan earthquake and the 2013 Super Typhoon Yolanda — symbolizing the heart-to-heart relationship envisioned by former leaders.
Additionally, Kishida and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista reviewed the Metro Manila Subway Project’s progress, a significant infrastructure venture financed by Japan aimed at enhancing mobility and connectivity, and benefitting from Japan’s Official Development Assistance.
Concluding his address, Kishida expressed gratitude for the warm welcome in the Philippines and resolved to nurture the enduring Japan-Philippines friendship. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez echoed these sentiments, commending the Prime Minister for reinforcing the bonds between their nations.