President Marcos wishes Japanese Emperor Naruhito ‘abundant happiness’
By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko hosted a National Day Reception at the Shangri-La The Fort to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan last February 22. Graced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., this is the first time in the history of the Philippines that the country’s top executive joined the Reception of the National Day Celebration of Japan.
In his speech, Ambassador Koshikawa highlighted that the official visit to Japan of President Marcos “reaffirmed the friendly relations between our countries and charted its future course.” He also underscored the bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines and pointed out that they even reached greater heights, especially in the areas of economics, defense, and people-to-people exchanges collaborations like the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and Coast Guard Cooperation.
Ambassador Koshikawa also noted that the post-pandemic revival and growth of tourism and the vibrant exchanges in sports as promising avenues for Japan and the Philippines. He mentioned the successes of Gymnast Carlos Yulo, Golfer SASO Yuka, and Karateka TSUKII Junna, as well as the Filipino basketball players of the Japan B League as prime examples. The Japan envoy remained bullish for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, which Japan with co-host with the Philippines and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, President Marcos extended his birthday wish to His Majesty Japanese Emperor Naruhito with “abundant happiness” as he leads Japan to continued prosperity and the promotion of peace. He also cherished stronger strategic ties of the Philippines with Japan and reiterated that the country is committed to maintaining the “positive trajectory” of its bilateral relations with Japan, and described Japan as a “friend, neighbor, and strategic partner.”
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