Tokyo: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the importance of stronger Philippine-Japan relations in maintaining stability and prosperity not just for the two nations but also for the Indo-Pacific region. According to Philippines News Agency, during a state banquet hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership between Manila and Tokyo, citing its crucial role in promoting regional peace and development. Marcos stated, "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, and upholding our values and responsibilities as maritime democracies." He emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to working closely with Japan to harness their intensifying strategic partnership as a force for good, not only for their two countries bu t also for the broader Indo-Pacific region. Marcos described the two countries' bilateral ties of more than seven decades as "one of the most vibrant and forward-looking partnerships in the Indo-Pacific," anchored on shared values, strengthened by mutual trust and cooperation, and guided by a common vision for peace, prosperity, and development. He highlighted that the relationship between the Philippines and Japan continues to grow and thrive, with cooperation now extending further into maritime security, humanitarian response, and regional stability. The President also cited the expansion of Manila's collaboration with Tokyo in key areas, such as energy and food security, space cooperation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, climate action, and innovation. Marcos expressed gratitude to Japan for its continued support to the Philippines over the years, adding that people-to-people ties further deepen the bonds between Filipinos and Japanese nationals. He remarked, "Japan remains among the Ph ilippines' most valued partners in advancing development, security, infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, and resilience, while we are proud to say that Filipinos in Japan contribute meaningfully to your society and economy." Beyond formal ties, he noted that the enduring relationship between the Philippines and Japan has been both by governments and by generations of Filipinos and Japanese who chose understanding over difference, friendship over division, and partnership over isolation. Marcos concluded by affirming that whether in seasons of abundance or hardship, Japan has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Filipino people, extending solidarity and assistance at the right moments to reassure them that they have a friend they can always count on. "Certainly, that spirit will not waver for the future," he added.
