By Florenda Corpuz
TOKYO – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the Philippines’ growing strategic partnership with Japan as he addressed a joint session of the National Diet, underscoring cooperation in security, economic development and regional stability as the two countries mark 70 years of normalization of diplomatic relations.
Speaking before members of both chambers of Japan’s legislature, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and officials of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League during his state visit on May 28, Marcos Jr. described Philippines-Japan relations as a partnership built on reconciliation and mutual trust, recalling the restoration of diplomatic ties in 1956 following World War II.
“Seventy years have passed since our two countries decided to restore normal diplomatic relations—determined to write a new chapter in our shared history, anchored not in the shadows of the past, but in the promise of a partnership for the future,” Marcos Jr. said.
He cited former President Elpidio Quirino’s efforts to pursue reconciliation with Japan after the war, saying the decision helped lay the foundation for decades of cooperation between the two countries.
The president said the relationship has expanded beyond trade and development assistance to include maritime security, defense cooperation, emerging technologies and people-to-people exchanges.
“As maritime democracies, the Philippines and Japan are committed to strengthening maritime security and ensuring that our seas remain open, secure, and governed by rules—not by force,” he noted.
Marcos Jr. also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and the peaceful settlement of disputes in the Indo-Pacific region.
He was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and members of the Philippine delegation.
(Photos courtesy of PCO)
