5-11-2023 (MANILA) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, on his official visit to the Philippines, declared that the two countries are currently enjoying a “golden age” of bilateral relations. During an official banquet at Malacañang, he expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside President Marcos to further elevate their friendship to new heights.
Kishida’s toast highlighted the exceptional bond between Japan and the Philippines, describing it as the “golden age.” He went on to say, “I look forward to working with President Marcos to take these bilateral relations to even newer heights.”
In response, President Marcos expressed his gratitude for Japan’s steadfast support and unwavering friendship over the 67-year history of diplomatic relations. He emphasized that their relationship has been nurtured through shared principles of democracy, respect for basic human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.
“Japan has provided us steadfast support and unwavering friendship through many decades. With patient and undistracted focus, we are building our realm of freedom, prosperity, and security together in the Indo-Pacific,” President Marcos stated.
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the Japanese people and urged them to continue supporting the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the strength of their relationship during this prime phase.
During his two-day visit, Japan and the Philippines signed agreements covering various sectors, including security, defense, maritime cooperation, mining, and tourism. These agreements are expected to boost the momentum of their bilateral ties in the coming years.
One notable agreement involves Japan providing a grant of 600 million yen (approximately $5.3 million) to the Philippines for the acquisition of coastal radars. These radars will enhance the military’s maritime domain awareness capability. Another agreement allocates 957 million yen (approximately $8.4 million) to help mitigate the impact of floods in the Bangsamoro region.
Furthermore, the leaders engaged in bilateral discussions on key regional and global issues. They agreed to initiate negotiations for a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) and strengthen trilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.
Both leaders emphasized their commitment to peaceful negotiations to resolve maritime conflicts, emphasizing the importance of a stable and secure environment for development.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced a tourism cooperation agreement signed between the Philippines and Japan. The agreement aims to increase tourist arrivals from key markets and promote tourism in various destinations, including rural areas. It also focuses on tourism-related information exchange, education, training, transport connectivity, and safety measures.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco expressed hope that the agreement would significantly expand tourism opportunities with Japan, which represents the third-largest group of foreign visitors to the Philippines. The agreement aims to enhance tourism development in sustainability, air and sea connectivity, education, culture, gastronomy, nature, and adventure, ultimately increasing tourism revenues and job opportunities in the Philippines.
Japan has been particularly attracted to the Philippines’ beach, marine, and diving sites, with nearly 250,000 Japanese travelers visiting the country in 2023.
In another development, the city of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte is inviting Japanese golfers to experience an 18-hole golf course inside a beach resort, set to open soon.
