By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the second day of his state visit to Japan, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the decades-long friendship between Manila and Tokyo, which was conceived on July 23, 1956 and continues to this day.
“As we navigate shifting currents, the friendship between the Philippines and Japan continues to evolve and grow stronger.”
During the meeting of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL), the President underscored the importance of the shared cooperation between both nations in their quest towards a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region built on mutual respect and adherence to international law.
President Marcos Jr. also announced the formation of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—the topmost tier in the Philippines’ diplomatic framework, which showcases the elevated level of trust forged through decades of camaraderie and teamwork.
Meanwhile, the President also focused on high-level talks with key business executives in a bid to strengthen the trade partnership between Manila and Tokyo.
In a roundtable meeting with Japanese business executives, President Marcos Jr. led a dialogue that served as the conduit for the Philippines to gain the confidence and earn the respect of investors to help in bolstering trade, investment, and tourism cooperation with Japan.
This, as part of the administration’s efforts to reassure investors that the Philippines remains a viable location for expanding their operations and exploration of further opportunities for growth, riding on the momentum of the country’s sweeping economic reforms and anti-corruption efforts.
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