He is currently on a state visit to the country.
On Wednesday, May 27, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. pushed for closer parliamentary and strategic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
He noted this as he addressed at least 60 Japanese lawmakers at the First Members’ Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyp, where hebmet with members of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL).
Marcos said this against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, global economic uncertainties, and mounting pressures on the rules-based international order.
He stressed the need for “deeper engagement” among like-minded nations committed to international law, regional stability, and economic resilience.
“We meet at a time of profound transformation in the international system,” said. Marcos. “In such an environment, the importance of trusted partnerships that are anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and adherence to international law has never been more evident.”
The President said the current situation calls “not for retreat nor hesitation, but for deeper engagement” among allies and partners.
He also brought up the planned elevation of Philippines-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is the highest tier in the country’s diplomatic framework and a first for the Philippines.
According to him, this reflects the “exceptional level of trust” between the two nations and their shared commitment to addressing regional and global challenges.
The President welcomed Japan’s increasingly “proactive” role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through the strengthening of regional and economic security, as well as technological innovation, and supply chain resilience.
As the chair of thr ASEAN this year, Marcos also expressed appreciation for Japan’s participation in regional cooperation efforts through its Dialogue Partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
That reaffirms the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity in shaping a regional architecture that is open, inclusive, and rules-based.
The Chief Executive also emphasized that maritime security remains a key pillar of Philippine-Japan cooperation and cited the growing defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo through agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
Marcos likewise welcomed Japan’s continued support through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which has helped boost the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and overall maritime security capabilities.
President Marcos also said defense industry collaboration between the two countries also opens opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange as well as workforce development.
Meanwhile, during the State Banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace, President Ferdinand Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to work closely with Japan in strengthening their growing strategic partnership.
In his remarks during the, the Chief Executive noted the friendship between the two nations has evolved into one of the “most vibrant and forward-looking partnerships” in the region, which he said is anchored on shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and development.
“The Philippines remains committed to working closely with Japan to harness our intensifying strategic partnership as a force for good not only for our two countries, but also for the broader Indo-Pacific region,” the President said.
“Together, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to peace and a rules-based order governed by international law, ensuring stability, prosperity, and dignity for future generations.”
Furthermore, he also said that ths cooperation between the Philippines and Japan now extends beyond traditional diplomatic ties to include maritime security, humanitarian response, and regional stability.
“The horizon is vast, as we are poised to expand collaboration in energy and food security, space cooperation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, climate action, and innovation,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Marcos thanked the Imperial Couple for the hospitality extended to the Philippine delegation who made the state visit, which coincides with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.
He also described the bilateral relationship as one shaped not only by governments, but also by generations of Filipinos and Japanese who chose “understanding over difference, friendship over division, and partnership over isolation.”
President Marcos also recognized Japan as among the Philippines’ most valued partners in development, infrastructure, security, connectivity, agriculture, and resilience.
“Across offices, classrooms, factories, laboratories, and communities, the bonds between our two peoples strengthen the foundation of our friendship and build better bridges of understanding.”
The President also expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued solidarity and support for the Philippines through the years.
“Whether in seasons of abundance and hardship, Japan has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Filipino people, extending solidarity and assistance at the right moments to reassure us that we have a friend we can always count on,” President Marcos said.
The Philippine chief executive likewise acknowledged the contributions of Filipinos living and working in Japan in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.