THE 67-year-old bilateral relationships between the governments of Japan and the Philippines are now at the “golden age,” according to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
“Japan and the Philippines are now experiencing an excellent relationship – we call it the golden age. I look forward to working with President Marcos to take these bilateral relations to even new heights,” Prime Minister Kishida said.
Prime Minister Kishida made the statement during a toast with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., hoping for further advancement and development in the relationship between Japan and the Philippines.
The Prime Minister said he hopes that his visit to the Philippines will be an opportunity to deepen the relationship of trust and confidence with the leadership of President Marcos “and also give further boost to the future cooperation.”
President Marcos and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Kishida, his wife Madame Kishida Yuko and other members of the Japanese delegation shortly after the bilateral meeting between the Philippines and Japan.
“Thank you, everyone,” Prime Minister Kishida said.
“I want to wholeheartedly thank President Marcos as well as madame First Lady and all the Filipino people for wholeheartedly welcoming me and my wife to the Philippines. It is a great pleasure for me to once again come to the Philippines after seven years,” he added.
The Prime Minister said he had a successful bilateral meeting with President Marcos where they discussed wide range of issues not only on the relationships between the Philippines and Japan, but also on regional and global affairs. Japan Prime Minister Kishida is in the Philippines for a two-day official visit.
He added that he is looking forward to President Marcos’ visit to Japan for the 50th ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo, next month. PND
