By Genalyn Kabiling
Emperor Naruhito of Japan has sent his warm greetings to the Philippines on the occasion of its 122nd anniversary of proclamation of independence.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)
President Duterte immediately extended his thanks to the Japanese emperor for his message and renewed his commitment to further boost the country's strategic partnership with Japan, according to Malacañang.
The emperor's message was relayed to the President on Friday (June 12), but a copy of the document was not released by the Palace to the public.
"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was profoundly honored to receive, on behalf of the Filipino people, the warm greetings and good wishes of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of the 122nd anniversary of the Philippines' Independence," the Palace said in a statement.
"His Majesty The Emperor's message echoes the beautiful harmony and goodwill heralded by his ascension to the throne last year, and is deeply appreciated by the nation," it said.
The Palace also highlighted that the relations between the Philippines and Japan have reached the "golden age."
"The Philippines values its special ties with Japan, and is committed to further advancing the bilateral Strategic Partnership, which both sides have ushered into its golden age," it said.
Back in October 2019, the President traveled to Tokyo to attend the enthronement ceremony of Japan's new emperor. He used a walking cane during the ceremony for Naruhito's ascendancy to the throne.
Duterte however later skipped the banquet and returned home after suffering "unbearable pain" in his spinal column believed to be caused by a motorcycle fall. He was later diagnosed with muscle spasm and advised by his doctors to take a rest.