Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs has come to the Philippines for a three-day activity that deepened Tokyo's relations with Manila.
Among State Minister Tsuge Yoshifumi's activities in the country included a talk with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, with whom he discussed developments in the region.
According to the Japanese Embassy in Manila, Tsuge and Manalo affirmed that as maritime nations sharing the same fundamental values and principles, Japan and the Philippines "would strengthen their partnership to uphold and promote a free and open international rules-based order for peace and stability in the region."
Such a pronouncement was reaffirming for Manila as Japan is a known Philippine ally when it comes to China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea, which Tokyo sees as a threat to stability.
"Secretary Manalo welcomed State Minister Tsuge's visit to the Philippines and expressed his appreciation for the progress made in bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields," the embassy said.
"He also expressed his gratitude for Japan's longstanding support for the peace process in Mindanao and expressed a desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields in the future," it added.
On other hand, Tsuge also attended a send-off reception for Filipino scholars of the Japanese government.
He also met with other individuals who are leading exchange students programs.
Tsuge's participation was aimed at encouraging students seeking to understand Japan that their visit would enhance relations between the two countries.
"He expressed hope that these exchanges would foster lasting personal connections among many people in both countries, especially those who have studied in Japan," the embassy said.
Tsuge also had a meeting with Japanese businessmen in the country and encouraged them to suggest measures that would improve Japanese companies’ business conditions in the Philippines.
"In addition, he expressed appreciation to these businessmen who have integrated into the local community in the Philippines, and who help support the steady progress of economic relations between the two countries," the embassy said.
Further, he met with members of the Japanese diaspora in the country to relay Tokyo's support for their welfare and their future. He conveyed his appreciation and respect for them, stating that they have supported each other and maintained their Japanese identities amid the long period of post-war difficulties.