On 09 April 2024, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya attended and delivered a speech at the 82nd Commemoration of the ARAW NG KAGITINGAN at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, the Senate and House of Representatives members, Governor Jose Garcia of Bataan, veterans, Philippine Government Officials, Embassy Officials from the U.S., and others were present at the event.
In his speech, Ambassador Endo conveyed his heartfelt condolences to those who passed away and to their families who carried the burden of their loss during the battle that took place 82 years ago. He also offered his respect and gratitude to the war veterans, whose service played a vital role in the peace and freedom we embrace today. In addition, Ambassador Endo stated that Japan and the Philippines are closest friends now, by the tireless efforts of our ancestors to rebuild our mutual trust based on deep remorse. He emphasized that overcoming the shadows of the bitter past is what strengthened our foundation as strategic partners and stated that our partnership has substantially deepened in all areas since then and will continue for years to come.
Amid the complex international situation, Ambassador Endo affirmed that Japan would continue to cooperate with the Philippines and the United States to uphold a Free and Open international and maritime order based on the rule of law, which was established by our predecessors after the war.
Ambassador Endo also reassured that, in times of both prosperity and crisis, Japan will continue to cooperate fully with the Philippines under the leadership of President Marcos, to elevate our relationship to further heights in a wide range of areas, including people-to-people exchanges, trade, and investment, economic cooperation, maritime law enforcement, and defense cooperation.
