In photo: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio (Photo from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines)
Japan Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio arrived in the Philippines for the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting, marking his first official visit to the country.
PM Kishida was joined by his spouse, Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko, and accompanied by Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko and Philippine Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista.
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Kishida proceeded to Rizal Park and paid tribute through a wreath-laying ceremony at Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in Manila.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. warmly welcomed Prime Minister Kishida to the Philippines in a state dinner banquet held at the Malacañang Palace. This occasion hosted the signing and exchange of notes of two pivotal agreements for the deepening of security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
In the presence of Prime Minister Kishida and President Marcos, Ambassador Koshikawa and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo signed and exchanged notes for 600 million yen in Official Security Assistance (OSA) grant, aiming at fortifying the maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities of the Philippine defense forces, particularly the Philippine Navy. The OSA program, inaugurated in 2023, manifests a collaborative endeavor to enhance the security and deterrence capacities of the recipient nations, thereby contributing to the preservation and fortification of international peace and security.
Ambassador Koshikawa and Secretary Manalo also signed and exchanged notes for 957 million yen in heavy machinery provision for disaster recovery under the “Economic and Social Development Program” grant aid. Recognizing the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural calamities, this initiative is envisaged to bolster the nation’s disaster prevention and post-calamity recovery capabilities, thereby facilitating swift restoration of essential infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of the affected populace.
Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the Philippines underscores Japan’s cooperation in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, ensuring a world where human dignity is protected.