Tokyo, May 28 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on May 28, 2026 hailed the Philippines and Japan’s 70 years of diplomatic relations as a “story of transformation” anchored on reconciliation, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation as he addressed a joint session of Japan’s National Diet during his four-day State Visit to Japan.
In his speech before Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, members of the National Diet, and officials of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League, Marcos underscored the growing depth of Philippines-Japan ties spanning economic, maritime, defense, and people-to-people cooperation, while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to a rules-based international order and lasting peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The National Diet is the national legislature of Japan, composed of a lower house, called the House of Representatives, and an upper house, the House of Councillors.
The President highlighted the significance of the year as the Philippines and Japan commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, emphasizing how both nations chose cooperation and reconciliation in the aftermath of war.
“Seventy years have passed since our two countries decided to restore normal diplomatic relations—determined to write a new chapter in our shared history, anchored not in the shadows of the past, but in the promise of a partnership for the future,” President Marcos noted.
“The relationship between the Philippines and Japan is, at its core, a story of transformation— from reconciliation to deep mutual trust,” the President added.
Marcos recalled how former President Elpidio Quirino pursued reconciliation with Japan after World War II, paving the way for decades of cooperation that evolved from reparations and development assistance into a broad-based strategic partnership.
“After the war, President Elpidio Quirino chose the path of reconciliation, guided by the belief that after all, destiny has made us neighbors. We made peace with the past, and so, on July 23, 1956, the Philippines and Japan normalized diplomatic relations,” the President added.
“Japan’s reparations became the starting point of a partnership that steadily built confidence and goodwill,” President Marcos emphasized.
The President said, “As the Philippines and Japan commemorate 70 years of normalized relations, we look ahead with confidence and purpose. The theme of this milestone, “Weaving the Future Together”, sets the course for our relationship for the next 70 years.”
Marcos received a warm standing ovation from members of Japan’s National Diet upon entering the National Diet Hall and once again after delivering his address.
At the National Diet Hall, the President was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and several Cabinet officials.
