OVER the years, the government of Japan always wanted to have “heart-to-heart relationship of trust with Southeast Asia including the Philippines despite several challenges.

According to Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, exchanges between the two countries have deepened and today the relationship between Japan and Philippines is stronger than ever.

Prime Minister Fumio addressed Congress during the Special joint session. He was warmly welcomed by the members of the 19th Congress led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

The official in in the country for a two-day working visit.

Fumio said the Japan-Philippines relationship have reached the point of “golden age” as this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.

“The Philippines, with the second largest population among ASEAN countries ans more than 300,000 citizens living in Japan, is an irreplaceable partner for Japan. I am honored to have the opportunity to be the first Japanese Prime Minister to speak here at the Congress of the Philippines, which has a long tradition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fumio assured Filipinos that the Japanese will continue to support the economic and social development projects of the present administration in line with the Build Better More program.

“Japan is the largest donor to the Philippines. Through the 600 billion yen public-private assistance announced in February which runs through March next year,” Fumio added.

The construction of the Philippine’s first subway system is underway in Manila with Japanese assistance.

Furthermore, Japan is one of the largest investors in the Philippines on a private-sector basis. Public-private partnerships and investments in companies that contribute to the decarbonization are also underway.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas