MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for making his first year in the country “truly remarkable.”
The Japanese envoy cannot help but express his appreciation to “our Filipino friends and partners” for the many “milestones” achieved in the different areas of cooperation, particularly in economy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
“I would like to express my gratitude to our Filipino friends and partners who have made my first year in the Philippines truly remarkable,” ENDO said in a video posted on his X account.
“Looking back on the progress of our ties for the past 12 months, I am overwhelmed by the many milestones we have already achieved in economy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchange,” he added.
He also mentioned the “warmth of the people in the Philippines”, so much so that he felt almost like a Filipino.
“I'm also very touched by the warmth of the people in the Philippines, so much so that I have oftentimes felt much like a Filipino myself. I'm thankful for the many opportunities to connect with all of you, visiting the country's different regions and experiencing your diverse cultures,” ENDO said.
Ambassador ENDO said he is looking forward to the completion of big-ticket infrastructure projects and the “realization of our various agreements.”
“There is much to look forward to as I continue my tenure in this wonderful country. Samahan ninyo ako as we work towards a more promising and exciting future for Japan and the Philippines,” ENDO enthused.
Just this January, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs IWAYA Takeshi undertook an official visit to the Philippines and held a bilateral meeting to discuss political, defense, security, economic and development cooperation, as well as other areas of mutual concern.
In July 2024, the Philippines and Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), as the two nations’ foreign and defense ministers met during the “2+2” meeting in Manila, following discussions during then Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to the Philippines last year.
Last October 2024, Japan and the Philippines agreed to fast-track procedures for the “early entry” into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said.
This was discussed during informal talks between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Lao People’s Democratic Republic during the ASEAN-related Summit meetings.
Japan remains the Philippines’ top bilateral ODA partner, demonstrating steadfast support for Philippine development priorities spanning infrastructure, health, human resources, agriculture, education, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, the Embassy of Japan stated.
The Philippines and Japan will also be celebrating in 2026 the 70th year of the normalization of bilateral relations.
