MANILA (Jiji Press)--Japan and the Philippines celebrated the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations on Thursday, as the two countries strengthen their national security and economic cooperation.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo wrote on X, "Philippines-Japan Friendship Day reminds us how reconciliation and cooperation have since transformed our two nations into close like-minded partners and good friends." The embassy called for further cooperation, saying that the two nations have entered "the platinum era."

Japan occupied the Philippines during the Pacific War. After Japan's defeat, the two countries normalized their diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956.

At a bilateral summit in Tokyo in late May, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upgraded their countries' relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

On the occasion of his visit to the Philippines this week, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi contributed an article to the Manila Bulletin newspaper, stressing that the Southeast Asian country is "one of Japan's closest like-minded partners, sharing fundamental values and principles."

Motegi noted that, under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, Japan values regional countries' "resilience and capability to have freedom to decide for themselves." He expressed Japan's willingness to support their efforts to defend their territories and promote economic security.

At a time when China is increasing its assertiveness in the East and South China seas, Japan and the Philippines are advancing their defense cooperation. Japan is planning to export retired Abukuma-class destroyers from the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Philippines. The two sides are also discussing the transfer of Japanese surface-to-ship missiles.