Japan joined the Philippines in commemorating the 79th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing.
Minister and Consul General HANADA Takahiro together with some Philippine government officials, embassy officials from the U.S. and Australia, representatives of Veterans organizations and other esteemed individuals also graced the event last October 20.
In his speech, Minister and Consul General HANADA offered deepest condolences to all the victims of the Second World War in the Philippines, and expressed his utmost respect to all individuals, including war veterans, who have greatly contributed to the peace and stability that we enjoy today.
“Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse,” Minister and Consul General HANADA affirmed Japan wishes for ever-lasting peace and is determined to uphold the rules-based international order.
Furthermore, Minister and Consul General HANADA also mentioned that Japan and the Philippines have become the closest friends nearly eight decades after the war, and Japan has contributed to the development of the Philippines and Province of Leyte as a top donor country of the ODA. He also cited President Marcos Jr’s remarks that Japan is “a most reliable partner in times of both crises and of prosperity”,
HANADA conveyed his sincere hope to elevate both Japan-Philippines relations and Japan-Philippines-U.S-Australia relations to greater heights. Amidst the increasingly harsh international security situations, including the situation in Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and the complex situation in Indo-Pacific region, he mentioned that Japan would work closely with the Philippines, United States and Australia as mutually trusted democratic partners towards a common goal in preserving the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.