Philippines sees stronger partnership with Japan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will forge stronger and closer collaboration with Japan in “various areas of mutual interest,” particularly agriculture and food security as well as the West Philippine Sea issue, President Marcos said.

He made the commitment during his meeting with Mori Masafumi, special adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, at Malacañang on Thursday.

Marcos also expressed his administration’s readiness to work with the Japanese government on climate change, maritime security, as well as infrastructure development, according to a statement released by the Office of the Press Secretary Thursday night.

“Japan is and will remain a solid and steadfast partner of the Philippines. I look forward to work closely with Prime Minister Kishida in building an even stronger strategic partnership with your country,” the President told Mori.

Mori is in the country for the 13th High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation.

Echoing Kishida’s message, the special adviser reiterated Japan’s strong commitment to and confidence in Marcos’ leadership as the two countries continue their mutual high-level engagements and bilateral platforms in pursuit of enhanced strategic partnership.

He said Japan also looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Philippine government in various areas of cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development.

During the meeting, Mori conveyed that Japan would continue rendering its support to the Philippines through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) and public-private partnerships as the Marcos administration gears toward fulfilling its “Build Better More” infrastructure agenda.

Mori also reiterated his country’s invitation to Marcos to make a state visit.

On Thursday, Marcos and Mori witnessed the signing of two contract packages for the construction of the country’s first underground railway system.

The Metro Manila Subway Project will be funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Japan remains as the Philippines’ top ODA partner and one of its top investors.