Defined by diverse and grounded ties, Japan and the Philippines stand at the “Golden Age” of their bilateral relations. Both countries have worked hand in hand and through close cooperation and friendship to reach this remarkable state of relations, and it continues to show promise for the future.
On top of the milestones we have accomplished, our bilateral ties consistently open new avenues for our linkages to grow even stronger. As more welcome developments unfold today, we journey steadfastly towards the path of progress as strategic partners. Therefore, it is essential to have a future-oriented perspective in further strengthening our bilateral relations.
Envisioning the future of the Japan-Philippines relations continues to be bright and dynamic. Sharing universal values and principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law has led our ties to vibrant collaborations. Over the years, our bilateral cooperation has achieved many triumphs. Our economic ties are an outstanding model, with Japan being the Philippines‘ top ODA (overseas development assistance) source and major trade and investment partner. These are also buttressed by the strong people-to-people ties we share.
An opinion survey in 2022 revealed that almost 80% of Filipinos trust Japan — an excellent manifestation of our dynamic cultural intersections and human connections. With the Filipinos’ talent, warmth and hospitality, I trust that our relations are in good hands for the foreseeable future.