Amid the structural changes taking place in the world, I would like to express my deepest respect to the government of the Philippines for its dedication to hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings (AMM) under the theme of “Navigating Our Future, Together.” In this milestone year marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, I am delighted to visit this country once again, following my visit in January. I extend my sincere gratitude to the people of the Philippines for their warm welcome.
The Philippines is one of Japan’s closest like-minded partners, sharing fundamental values and principles. Following the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan in May, our bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This reflects the strong determination of both countries to continue strengthening bilateral relations in a sustained and multilayered manner without being swayed by changes in the international environment.
In his speech delivered before the National Diet of Japan, President Marcos mentioned that former president Elpidio Quirino’s choice of the path toward reconciliation after the war laid the foundation for the trust and friendship that endure to this day. I reiterate my profound respect to the countries of the region, including the Philippines, for choosing to move forward together hand-in-hand with Japan.
