President Marcos thanked outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko for bringing the relationship between the two countries to a higher level, especially in the areas of defense, trade, and infrastructure development.

Marcos said this during the envoy's farewell call in Malacañan on Friday, March 1.

During their meeting, the President told Koshikawa that the Philippines and Japan entered a new phase in their relationship in terms of defense and security, trade and investment, infrastructure development, and advancing peace in Mindanao during the latter's term.

“It used to be just economic and trade, but in terms of security and defense, also that, and I’m glad that you mentioned the assistance that the Japanese, that Japan, rather, has given to the BARMM. It’s very – it is been very critical because as the elections come, it will be the first parliamentary election,” Marcos said.

“On the security side, much has been achieved. We are now talking about the, between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, and I think that’s proceeding very well," he added.

For his part, Koshikawa said he is happy to leave his post with Japan and the Philippines entering a new phase in their relations. He underscored that maintaining a maritime order based on the rule of law is a common goal shared by both countries.

He added that Japan will continue to support the Mindanao peace process, including in the election scheduled next year.

"In this context, I think, the Japanese government is ready to consider the assistance necessary for the implementation of the election laws,” Koshikawa said.

Regarding the administration’s infrastructure program, the Japanese envoy said Japan will steadily work to complete many projects such as the Metro Manila Subway project, the North-South Commuter railway project, and the Davao Bypass Construction Project.

In terms of trilateral cooperation, the two nations maintain robust Strategic Partnership and have witnessed laying down the groundwork for trilateral cooperation.

According to Malacañang, during Koshikawa’s tenure, the two nations further deepened their defense and security cooperation through the existing dialogue mechanisms and witnessed the conclusion of the Official Security Assistance (OSA), through brand new Coastal Radar Systems.

They have also commenced the negotiations on the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and look forward to the conclusion of negotiations in the future.

On economic development, Japan has been a generous partner of the administration’s Build, Better, More Program, and an ardent supporter in the quest for peace and economic development in Mindanao.

In an X post, Ambassador Koshikawa said he was overwhelmed by the warmth and friendship extended to him during his stay in the Philippines.

"As my wonderful journey in the [Philippines] as [Japanese] Ambassador comes to a close, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended to me," he said.

"Your hospitality has truly made this a memorable chapter of my life. ありがとうございます and see you again!" he added.

The Philippines and Japan celebrated 67 years of relations on July 23, 2022, and 11 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership since 2011.