00:00I would like to once again extend my heartfelt welcome to His Excellency President Marcos
00:06on the occasion of his state visit this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization
00:12of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
00:16The Philippines and Japan are neighbors across the sea who share the basic values and principles.
00:22Cooperation with the Philippines, one of the closest like-minded countries for Japan, is
00:28extremely important in realizing the updated, free and open Indo-Pacific, or updated FOIP.
00:35From that perspective, I concurred with President Marcos to position the bilateral relationship
00:41as comprehensive strategic partnership.
00:47This demonstrates the determination of our two countries to strengthen multi-layered relationships
00:54as like-minded countries sustainably going forward without being affected by the changes
01:00in the international environment.
01:02In our meeting today, first, in the security area, we concurred on commencing formal negotiations
01:10for the agreement on the protection of classified military information.
01:14We also concurred to accelerate the exchange between the defense authorities towards the transfer
01:21of Abukuma-class destroyers and others.
01:24In order to respond to the regional strategic environment, which is growing more severe, Japan
01:30will further deepen cooperation with the Philippines.
01:32We also concurred to further deepen economic cooperation between Japan and the Philippines and Japan
01:40and ASEAN, including economic cooperation in the entire Asian region and improving supply chain resilience.
01:48In this respect, towards upgrading the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement
01:54and Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the two countries will continue to explore.
02:02While promoting investment and economic exchange in the Philippines, which is an important partner for Japan
02:08on trade and economic fronts, to support the Philippines' effort to be an upper-middle-income country,
02:24on top of the new tax convention, which was signed just now,
02:30We signed an MOC and other documents in the areas of agriculture,
02:37international horticulture, export, AI, space and human resource development this month.
02:43As the international situation becomes increasingly uncertain regarding energy,
02:48Japan stands with Asian countries, including the Philippines, this time under power Asia,
02:55including the activities of Japanese businesses on the ground to strengthen supply chain resilience of medical
03:02products and others, as well as to realize oil reserve system in the Philippines and join the
03:10oil stockpiling arrangements of ASEAN. We will strengthen support.
03:17I am convinced that all of these initiatives that will support mainstreaming AOIP under the updated FOIP and
03:24strengthen the autonomy and resilience of Japan and the Philippines, as well as the region.
03:28In light of such relationship with the Philippines, we have decided to include the support for the
03:36UNSC's candidature of the Philippines for next month's UNSC election in the joint statement at this time.
03:44And also regarding the regional and international situations, we had discussions,
03:48and together with President Marcos, who is the chair of ASEAN, we were able to confirm a collaboration
03:56towards promoting peace and stability of the region. Taking this 70th anniversary as an opportunity,
04:02I will further develop my natural collaboration together with President Marcos.
04:17President Marcos.
04:24the esteemed members of the Japanese and Philippines delegations,
04:28friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
04:32Prime Minister Takahichi and I just concluded a very productive and forward-looking bilateral
04:39meeting covering the ever-expanding scope of Philippine-Japanese relationships.
04:45As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations
04:50between our two countries, I am pleased to announce that we have elevated our relationship
04:56from a strengthened strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
05:02This milestone reflects the strength, depth, and breadth of our ties as we respond to the
05:08evolving challenges and opportunities of our time.
05:11Our discussions reaffirmed our commitment to further advance cooperation across key areas,
05:16including economic partnership, energy resilience, decarbonization, cooperation in defense and
05:23security, maritime matters, as well as emerging and future-oriented sectors.
05:28We had meaningful exchanges on regional and global issues, including challenges that are
05:34now emerging in the Indo-Pacific region, and of course the developments in the Middle East
05:39and their impact on energy security.
05:41We appreciate Japan's expressions of support for the Philippine's Cheriship of ASEAN this
05:46year and for ASEAN's unity and centrality.
05:50Today, we also witnessed the signing of an important agreement on the avoidance of double taxation,
05:56which will enhance the business environment and promote greater cross-border investment.
06:02The Philippines and Japanese governments have likewise forged new arrangements that will expand
06:08our cooperation in the agricultural and fishery sector, improve equitable access to quality health
06:15services, and continue our long-standing partnership in our human resource development.
06:20In addition, we will advance our cooperation in space development and application, artificial intelligence,
06:28energy security, and supply chain resilience.
06:32Lastly, we jointly announce the commencement of the negotiations for the general security of military
06:39information agreement, as well as for the delimitation of our maritime borders.
06:45These are very important steps to further strengthen our defense cooperation and to uphold a rules-based
06:53maritime order.
06:54They will enhance the mutual trust between our two countries.
06:59These substantive discussions with the prime minister have demonstrated the vigor with which the
07:05Philippines-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership will proceed, built on a foundation of friendship
07:12and shared values for peace, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.
07:17Yesterday, the first lady and I had the honor of an imperial audience with their majesties,
07:24Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, which reaffirmed the enduring friendship between our two countries
07:31and the goodwill between our peoples.
07:35I also had the opportunity to engage with Japanese business leaders and investors,
07:39where we discuss expanding cooperation in strategic sectors, such as energy, agriculture, and emerging industries.
07:49Earlier today, I had the privilege of addressing the national diet of Japan, where I convey our shared vision
07:57of weaving the future together through peace, prosperity, and possibilities.
08:02Tomorrow, I will pay my farewell to you and their farewell to their majesties before departing for Manila.
08:11I wish to thank Prime Minister Takahichi for her warm hospitality and for the productive discussions
08:18that reaffirm the strength and bright future of the Philippines-Japan relations as we continue to strive
08:26to reach even greater hearts.
08:29Arigato gozaimasu.
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