Japanese lawmakers joined about 300 delegates from 28 countries for the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Forum (APPF31) held in Manila from November 23–26, 2023.
The Japanese delegation composed of Hon. HIRAGUCHI Hiroshi (HoR), Hon. OTA Fusae (HoC), Hon. SHINOHARA Takashi (HoR), Hon. KANKE Ichiro (HoR), Hon. IKESHITA Taku (HoR), and Hon. AOSHIMA Kenta (HoC).
Hosted by the Philippines this year, the Forum was officially established in Tokyo in January 1993 with the participation of 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Based on the initiative of former Prime Minister NAKASONE Yasuhiro and other Japanese Diet members. The APPF stands as a forum for dialogue on politics, security, regional cooperation, and other issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The Forum has since strengthened the relationship among the parliamentarians from 28 countries and promoted exchanges among them through frank and active dialogues.
Prior the Forum proper, the official delegation from Japan also paid a courtesy call on Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.