President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to further bolster the ties between the Philippines and Japan.

In a meeting with Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary-general Motegi Toshimitsu at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos emphasized the two nations’ strong relations but acknowledged the need to elevate the cooperation in various areas.

“I’m happy that you come at a time where the relations between the Philippines and Japan are stronger than they have been in our entire history,” Marcos told Motegi, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office.

“But, nonetheless, there is very still much going on and to continue. And we look forward to the continuing support of the legislature and the political leadership of Japan in all that we have started to do with Prime Minister [Fumio] Kishida,” he added.

Motegi said Japan also sees the Philippines as an important neighbor and strategic partner.

“So, I’m aware that there was an in-depth discussion on our bilateral relations, and interregional and international affairs at the last year’s (summit meetings). Also, this year, this April there was a First Naval Japan-US-Philippines Trilateral Summit. And I’m delighted to see that the trilateral cooperations has been a steady progress,” he said.

Motegi also offered his sympathies to the families of those who died due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the habagat (southwest monsoon).

Motegi was supposed to make a courtesy call on Marcos in January but his visit was postponed.

The secretary-general of the LDP is often referred to as the de facto second most powerful position in the Japanese political party.

Motegi carries out a central and pivotal role of ensuring that Japan’s domestic and international policies are thriving across all areas. He also functions to assist Kishida, the party president.

The Philippines and Japan celebrated 68 years of normalized relations on July 23, 2023 and 12 years of strategic partnership since September 2011.

In February last year, Marcos traveled to Japan for an official visit and had a bilateral meeting with Kishida and an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Kishida traveled to Manila for an official return visit in November 2023, while Marcos visited Japan again in December the same year to participate in the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan Commemorative Summit. (PNA)