MANILA – The Philippines and Japan are now in the “golden age” of their relations as they marked the 10th year of their strengthened strategic partnership, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.
During his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos said he is optimistic they would have “productive” discussions on economic cooperation and development, strong people-to-people ties, and defense and security relationships.
“Your timely visit highlights the stability, harmony, mutual respect and immense benefit that we bring to each other, signs that we are indeed in the golden age of our relations,” Marcos told Ishiba.
“I hope our discussion today will further help us in our common pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for all,” he added.
The Philippines and Japan will also be marking the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.
The two countries formally established their diplomatic ties on July 23, 1956 and elevated their relations to a “strengthened strategic partnership” in June 2015 through a joint declaration between then President Benigno Aquino III and then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Marcos expressed optimism that the two nations would discuss ways to further strengthen their relations.
“Next year, we will celebrate the milestone, 70th year of the normalization of our diplomatic ties. The fruits of seven decades of engagement attest to a deeply meaningful relationship where our two peoples feel the benefit of our diplomacy,” he said.
“But this is also where we lay the groundwork for the future. As we look at the seven decades of our shared history to lay the groundwork for a resonant and inspiring future where we engage across all sectors.”
Ishiba said he intends to discuss “wide-ranging” topics with Marcos, including national security, economy, as well as regional and international affairs.
“The Philippines and Japan are neighbors connected by an ocean and we are also an ally of the United States. Our two countries are bound by fundamental values, including the rule of law, as well as shared challenges in the areas of security, economy and disaster prevention,” he told Marcos.
Ishiba also stressed the need for the Philippines and Japan to “be fully prepared and walk together in case of natural disasters.”
Welcome rites
Ishiba, accompanied by his spouse, Ishiba Yoshiko, was accorded arrival honors upon his arrival at Malacañan Palace.
Marcos also introduced Ishiba to the Philippine officials who joined the welcome ceremony.
Before his bilateral meeting with Marcos, Ishiba signed the presidential guest book.
The meeting between Marcos and Ishiba aims to deepen and improve economic and development cooperation, political and defense engagements, and people-to-people exchanges.
This is the first official visit of Ishiba to the Philippines.
Marcos already met with Ishiba in Vientiane, Laos on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summits in October 2024. (PNA)
Source: PNA
