Marcos: PH, Japan elevating ties toward ‘highest-tier’

STATE CALL President Marcos and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos make a state call on Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito awarded to  Marcos the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, one of Japan’s highest honors, while Araneta-Marcos received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown. The President reciprocated the honor given by the Japanese Imperial Couple by conferring the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako received the Order of Gabriela Silang. —PCO

TOKYO, Japan — President Marcos on Wednesday said the Philippines is moving into its highest tier of partnership with Japan amid geopolitical tensions and energy supply disruptions.

“We meet at a time of profound transformation in the international system. Across regions, we see increasing geopolitical tensions, disruptions in supply chains, and mounting pressures on the rules-based international order,” Marcos said at a gathering of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League here.

“It is in this context that the Philippines and Japan are moving to elevate our relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest tier in our diplomatic framework and a first for the Philippines,” the President said.

The Philippines has established “comprehensive strategic partnerships” only with Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations while holding “standard strategic partnerships” with Japan, Australia, South Korea and India.

READ: Marcos seeks broader Japan cooperation on energy, digital transformation

“The Philippines’ designation as a recipient of the Official Security Assistance program for the third consecutive year continues to contribute to our country’s maritime domain awareness and overall maritime security,” he said.

“No other country has matched Japan in the scale and quality of its development assistance to the Philippines, including its long-term investments in human security in Mindanao and across our islands,” Marcos added.

READ: Marcos secures $3.4 billion pledges from Japanese investors

Gratitude for initiatives

On the second day of his four-day state visit, the President expressed gratitude to Japan for its initiatives in regional security, economic security, technological innovation, and safeguarding critical industries within the interconnected global economy.

Marcos also met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace where the President received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.

For his part, Marcos conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako received the Order of Gabriela Silang.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were among the officials present at the Marcoses’ call on the imperial couple, but bilateral talks with Takaichi were not scheduled until May 28.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two leaders are expected to discuss the two nations’ Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.

The Philippines is also expected to take up energy cooperation, particularly Japan’s Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (Powerr Asia), a $10-billion initiative launched last month to support regional energy security and supply diversification.

Japanese companies, like Sumitomo Corp., J-Power and Tokyo Gas, are already involved in critical assets like the 797-megawatt Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan hydroelectric power plant in Laguna and the liquified natural gas terminal in Batangas.

But last September, more Japanese firms pledged about P18.7 billion more in investments in clean energy projects led by Mitsui & Co.

At least 12 Japanese companies are involved in the Metro Manila Subway Project, the first underground rapid transit system in the country. The 33-kilometer subway will connect Valenzuela City and Taguig City and is expected to be completed in 2033. /cb