The Senate adopted on Wednesday a resolution recognizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations.

Fourteen senators sponsored and co-sponsored Proposed Senate Resolution No. 502, which honors seven decades of cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, disaster resilience, healthcare, education, agriculture and peace-building.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the resolution’s principal sponsor and head of the Philippine-Japan Parliamentarians Association, said the two nations had transformed a difficult wartime history into an enduring partnership.

“The deep friendship between our countries is proof positive that there is a way forward for those who choose a path of unity and cooperation,” Zubiri said in his sponsorship speech.

He noted that bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan in May.

Zubiri said the partnership now covers major infrastructure projects, development assistance, trade and investment, maritime security, humanitarian response and peace-building initiatives in the Bangsamoro region.

“Our shared vision and our shared principles as like-minded democracies are at the heart of our 70 years of friendship,” he said.

Zubiri also reported on his recent parliamentary visit to Tokyo with Senator JV Ejercito, during which they discussed defense cooperation, healthcare, infrastructure and the possible upgrading of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

Japan has supported major transportation projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and North-South Commuter Railway, while extending security assistance and equipment to the Philippines.

During the session, senators also bade farewell to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo, who is set to end his tour of duty.

Zubiri credited Endo with helping deepen bilateral relations in recent years and thanked him for advancing cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.

“Ambassador Endo, domo arigato gozaimasu. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po ang ating pagkakaibigan (Thank you very much, and long live our friendship),” Zubiri said.

The resolution envisions the milestone as a foundation for another 70 years of cooperation anchored on reconciliation, peace, shared prosperity and respect for international law. (PNA)