Japanese Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu pays a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Friday, August 2, 2024. | Photo from MPC Pool
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Japanese Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu on Friday.
Marcos and Motegi met after the latter paid a courtesy call to the President at the Malacañang Palace.
In welcoming Motegi, Marcos noted the “stronger than ever” relationship between the Philippines and Japan and committed to support the political leadership of the eastern country.
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“I am happy that we have come at a time where the relations between the Philippines and Japan are stronger than they have been in our entire history. But nonetheless, there is still much to be done, indeed,” said Marcos.
“We look forward to continuing to support all the legislation and the political leadership of Japan. In all that we have started with you, and Minister Kishida,” he added.
Motegi, for his part, tagged the Philippines as its neighbor and strategic partner, whom Japan “share fundamental values and principles” with.
He also expressed joy over the progressing bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, especially after its in-depth discussion on bilateral relations and regional and international affairs in 2023, and the first ever Japan-US Philippines bilateral summit in April this year.
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“I am delighted to see that our bilateral cooperation has been steadily progressing,” he said.
He also offered his sympathies to the affected families of Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon which battered several parts of the country, including Metro Manila last week.
“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives, and want to extend my deepest sympathy for those who were lost,” he said.