The Manila Times
PHILIPPINES — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to fostering stronger ties with Japan towards a strategic partnership that will also benefit the Indo-Pacific region. Marcos’ remarks came during the State Banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace. There, he underscored the longstanding friendship between Manila and Tokyo that has evolved into one of the “most vibrant and forward-looking partnerships” in the region, anchored on shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and development. “The Philippines remains committed to working closely with Japan to harness our intensifying strategic partnership as a force for good not only for our two countries, but also for the broader Indo-Pacific region,” he said Wednesday night. “Together, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to peace and a rules-based order governed by international law, ensuring stability, prosperity, and dignity for future generations,” he said. The Philippines-Japan relations, he further stated, were molded not only by governments, but also by generations of Filipinos and Japanese who chose “understanding over difference, friendship over division, and partnership over isolation.” He likewise recognized Japan as among the Philippines’ most valued partners in development, infrastructure, security, connectivity, agriculture, and resilience. “Whether in seasons of abundance and hardship, Japan has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Filipino people, extending solidarity and assistance at the right moments to reassure us that we have a friend we can always count on,” he said. Earlier, Their Majesties welcomed the president and first lady in a State Call and conferred to them Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum and Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, respectively. Hosting a state visit is a rare honor extended by Japan to select foreign leaders, with Marcos being only the third world leader that the Emperor has received on a since his accession to the throne in 2019.
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