Photo credit: House of Representatives

The House of Representatives and Senate, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, convened in a historic joint session today to hear the message of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, delivered before members of the House, Senate, the Executive department, and diplomatic guests.

Kishida emphasized the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines over the years, referring to it as the "golden age" of their partnership. This accolade signifies the deepening of ties and collaborative efforts between the two nations.

During his official visit to the Philippines, Prime Minister Kishida articulated his unwavering commitment to lead the international community toward cooperation while defending freedom and the rule of law through a vision known as the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP). This visionary approach aims to foster stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing mutual cooperation between Japan and the Philippines across various domains, including trade, investments, defense, and infrastructure development. These efforts will further solidify the bond between the two nations and contribute to the region's growth and security.

Speaker Romualdez expressed his anticipation for Prime Minister Kishida's address to Congress and assured that every effort would be made to ensure a productive and memorable visit, reflecting the importance of the Japan-Philippines partnership.

The joint session stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations and their commitment to shaping a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific region.