On July 4, 2024, the Embassy of Japan celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Ambassador Endo Kazuya hosted the reception at his residence in Makati, bringing together officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), government representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps. The event underscored the enduring partnership and collaborative efforts between Japan and the Philippines in regional security and defense.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. honored the occasion as the guest of honor and speaker. National Security Adviser Eduardo Manahan Año led the congratulatory toast, highlighting the significant contributions of the JSDF over the decades.
Ambassador Endo, in his welcome remarks, reflected on the pivotal role of the JSDF in maintaining regional stability, participating in peacekeeping operations, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. According to him, over the past 70 years, the JSDF has played a central role in enhancing regional stability, and their contributions to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts have been commendable.
The ambassador emphasized the Philippines' crucial role in regional security and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). He highlighted the growing security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, covering various sectors such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, defense equipment and technology transfers, and joint exercises with like-minded partners.
Looking forward to future collaborations, Ambassador Endo expressed his anticipation for the upcoming 2+2
meeting on July 8, 2024, which aims to set another milestone in security cooperation.
"I would like to commend the Philippines' firm stance in championing a maritime border based on the world order," Ambassador Endo remarked during his speech. "Since the establishment of our strategic partnership, the defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan has only grown stronger. Beyond bilateral engagements, the Japan-Philippines-U.S. summit has brought to fruition our shared commitments to achieving regional stability and security. The security frameworks are all being realized." These alliances demonstrate their unwavering dedication to mutual defense and the rule of law. The embassy is committed to further strengthening these partnerships for the prosperity and security of the region.
The event also featured displays from defense-related Japanese companies, showcasing their advanced equipment models and distributing informational brochures, further emphasizing the technological collaboration between the two nations.
