The Philippines and Japan have "broadened" and "depened" the heir ties by signing seven key bilateral agreements which spanned different ranges such as agriculture, infrastructure, diplomatic relations, and disaster and humanitarian aid.
The signing fo the deal, which took place on Thursday, was witnessed by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Asian leaders said the signing of deals "confirm the broadening and deepening of the bilateral relations that will indicate the direction for our shared future."
The agreement are as follows:
. Exchange of Notes on Japanese Official Development Project: North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR) Project (II)
2. Exchange of Notes on Japanese Official Development Project: NSCR - Malolos to Tutuban Project (II)
3. Loan Agreement for the NSCR Extension Project (II)
4. Loan Agreement for the NSCR- Malolos to Tutuban Project (II)
5. Umbrella Term of Reference (TOR) on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Cooperation
6. Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Agriculture Cooperation
7. MOC in the Field of Information and Communications Technology
Marcos described Japan as a “trusted friend and a solid and steadfast partner in our quest for peace and for progress.”
“We share common principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” he said.
“In July, we will celebrate the 67th anniversary of the normalization of our diplomatic relations. Our partnership continues to be among the Philippines’ most resilient and dynamic in the region,” he added.
On the same day, Marcos and Kishida have agreed to bolster Manila and Tokyo's defense and security relations as both country pushes for stability in the Indo-Pacific region..
The chief executive also secured investment pledges worth billions of pesos from various Japanese firms.
