The Philippine Congress on Saturday, Novemeber 4, warmly welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City in the sidelines of his state visit.
This welcome was made following a special joint session convened by the House of Representatives and Senate under House Concurrent Resolution 17 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 via a voice vote.
Senators and Congressmen wearing traditional attire applauded the Japanese Prime Minister during the introduction prior to his message.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kishida underlined the irreplaceable partnership between the Philippines and Japan.
"The Philippines, with the second-largest population among ASEAN countries and more than 300,000 citizens living in Japan, is an irreplaceable partner," the Prime Minister said.
Kishida expressed his gratitude to be the first Japanese Prime Minister to speak at the Congress of the Philippines, which, according to him, has a long tradition.
"In 1977, former Prime Minister Fukuda Takeo delivered a speech in Manila in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.," he said.
"I am reminded that in that speech, he expressed his desire to build a heart-to-heart relationship of trust with Southeast Asia, including the Philippines," Kishida added.
The Prime Minister said since half a century has passed, the coordination between the Philippines and Japan has deepened, citing its history, which has "not always been smooth sailing."
Meanwhile, some Senators expressed their pleasure, such as Senator Lito Lapid.
In a statement, Lapid acknowledged Kishida's visit, saying it reflected a strong friendship between the two countries.
"Itinuturing ko ang pagbisita ni PM Kishida bilang isang pagpapakita ng mas malalim na pagkakaibigan at mas matatag na relasyon ng bansang Hapon at Pilipinas," Lapid said.
"Inaasahan ko na ang pagbisitang ito ni PM Kishida ay lalo lamang iigting ang ating ugnayan sa mga bansang tunay na kumikilala sa demokrasya at pag-iral ng batas," the Senator added.
On Friday evening, Kishida met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and signed various Memoramdum of Cooperation, Exchange of Notes and the formalization of a grant aid for the Philippine Navy’s maritime domain awareness capabilities.
