From left to right: Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Noel Pabalate/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The historical significance of his speech before members of Philippine Congress Saturday, Nov. 4 wasn't lost on Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. 

Kishida, who graced a special joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, said he was "honored" for the distinction of being the first Prime Minister from Japan to address the body. 

"The Philippines, with the second largest population among ASEAN countries and 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 in his speech, which he delivered in Japanese. 

A translated copy of Kishida's speech was sent to House reporters at around Saturday noon. 

Kishida also called back to the speech of his predecessor Prime Minister Fukuda Takeo, which the latter delivered in the presence of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1977. 

"I am reminded that in that speech, he expressed his desire to build a heart-to-heart relationship of trust with Southeast Asia including the Philippines, as equal partners," Kishida said. 

"About a half century has passed since then. Exchanges between our two countries have deepened, and today, the relationship between Japan and the Philippines is stronger than ever," he underscored. 

"Today, Japan-Philippines relationship have reached the point of being called a 'golden 

age.' This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, and in December, we will host a commemorative summit meeting in Tokyo," Kishida said. 

"Against this backdrop, I am very delighted to have the opportunity to visit Manila for the first time as Prime Minister and to express my views on Japan's foreign policy, including strengthening relations with the Philippines and ASEAN," he said. 

Marcos Sr.'s son, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., is the incumbent Philippine president. 

ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"In the spirit of unity and partnership, we extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to his excellency, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio," House Speaker Martin Romualdez said after the foreign leader's speech. 

"With reverence and hope for our shared future, today's discourse fortifies the bridge between our great nations. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po tayong lahat! (Thank you very much and long live to us all!)" he added.