MANILA – Japan intends to work with the Philippines carefully in sustaining a “stable regional order” amid heightened geopolitical tensions within the Indo-Pacific area.
Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa relayed the dedication earlier than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who attended a Japanese reception celebrating Emperor Naruhito’s beginning on Wednesday night time.
“[On our defense and security ties, Japan stands with the Philippines in maintaining a stable regional order to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific founded on universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law,” the envoy mentioned.
His remarks reiterate his earlier pronouncements supporting Manila within the wake of China’s Feb. 6 lasing incident within the Ayungin Shoal and rising presence throughout the Philippines’ 200-nautical unique financial zone as confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Koshikawa then hailed the “close cooperation” between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Force, in addition to the 2 states’ coast guards.
“The world today is facing unprecedented challenges from the pandemic and geopolitical shifts. As His Majesty the Emperor said in his New Year’s message, global cooperation is vital now more than ever to address urgent issues and protect universal values that underpin peace, progress, and stability in the international community,” he mentioned.
The Indo-Pacific area contains 40 nations, together with 5 of the world’s largest economies particularly China, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia.
‘Greater heights’
Aside from protection, Koshikawa is optimistic the Manila-Tokyo relations are poised to achieve “even greater heights” underneath the Marcos administration within the areas of economics and people-to-people exchanges.
Japan is the Philippines’ largest official improvement help (ODA) contributor, some big-ticket initiatives of whom embrace the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway.
In Marcos’ latest go to to Tokyo, Japan additionally introduced a 600 billion yen (USD4.6 billion) in ODA and personal investments to additional help the administration’s infrastructure program.
“Considering the Philippines’ economic recovery and robust human capital, I believe its economy will show. top-class growth among Asian countries and attract more. Japanese investors in the coming years,” the envoy mentioned.
Koshikawa can also be bullish on the prospects of two-way tourism between the 2 nations, citing not less than 50 % return of Japanese vacationers to Philippine locations.
“I am confident that we will swiftly close that gap and even overtake those pre-pandemic numbers. In addition, the Philippines remains one of the favorite destinations for Japanese tourists for its spectacular natural wonders,” he mentioned. (PNA)