Flags of Japan and the Philippines (INQUIRER.net Stock Photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Monday have unanimously adopted a resolution that honors the 67 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan.
Senate Resolution No. 703, which was introduced by all 24 members of the chamber, was approved in a plenary session on Monday.
“Today, we honor the strong ties that bind our two countries, deeply rooted in mutual respect, regional cooperation and a profound appreciation of our entwined history. Japan is a true friend of the Philippines, and this resolution recognizes that very deep friendship,” said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a statement.
In his sponsorship speech, Zubiri noted that the Philippines and Japan are “not just ordinary country partners.”
“We are strategic partners who share the principles and aspiration of freedom, democracy, and rule of law. We are very glad to know that Japan stands with [the] Philippines in maintaining a stable regional order to realize a free and open indo-Pacific. Japan has also reaffirmed, on numerous occasions, its unwavering support for the Philippines in its decision to uphold the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling on the South China Sea,” said the lawmaker.
He then stressed that these, undoubtedly, are an act of an “ally” and a “true friend.”
Apart from honoring the bilateral ties, the measure likewise conveys the appreciation of the Senate to the National Diet of Japan and, in particular, to the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League (JPPFL) under the present leadership of Moriyama Hiroshi.
“The Philippine Senate and the National Diet of Japan enjoy robust inter-parliamentary ties, facilitated mainly through our Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians Association and the JPPFL, whose relations have been characterized by frank, substantial and open dialogue, [and] frequent exchanges of visits between Filipino and Japanese lawmakers,” the resolution reads.
“These frequent exchanges with the JPPFL since its establishment in 1986 and their substantial discussions strengthen the deep cooperation between the two countries, which have included parliamentary support to continue funding development assistance to the Philippines,” it adds.
The measure likewise pointed out that a continued bilateral ties with Japan will promote economic growth and elevate strategic partnership between the two nations in the coming years.
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