President Marcos said the Philippines intends to further bolster its cooperation with Japan, stressing that there still much to do with their ties.
Marcos made the statement during a meeting with Motegi Toshimitsu, the secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan, during the latter's courtesy call in Malacañan on Friday, Aug. 2.
“I’m happy that you come at a time where the relations between the Philippines and Japan are stronger that they have been in our entire history,” the President said in welcoming Motegi.
“But, nonetheless, there is very still much to do. And we look forward to the continuing support to all the political leadership of Japan, in all that we have started to do," he added.
Motegi, on the other hand, said he was delighted to visit the Philippines again, stressing the importance of the Philippines as Japan’s neighbor and strategic partner.
“So, I’m aware that there was an in-depth discussion on our bilateral relations, and our regional and economic affairs. Also, this April there was a Japan-US-Philippines Trilateral Summit. And I’m delighted to see that the trilateral cooperation has been a steady progress,” he said.
The Japanese official also offered his condolences to the families of Typhoon Carina victims.
The secretary-general of the LDP is often referred to as the de facto second most powerful position in the Japanese political party.
Motegi carries out a central and pivotal role of ensuring that Japan’s domestic and international policies are thriving across all areas. He also functions to assist the party president, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Philippines and Japan celebrated 68 years of normalized relations in July 2023, and 12 years of Strategic Partnership since September 2011.
In February last year, Marcos traveled to Japan for an official visit, where he had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Kishida and an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
In November last year, Kishida traveled to Manila for an official return visit.
Marcos visited Japan again in December 2023 to participate in the 50th ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, where he and the First Lady also had an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.