On November 4, 2023, Prime
Minister KISHIDA Fumio delivereda policy speech at the joint session ofthe Philippine Senate and House ofRepresentatives.

between Japan and ASEAN, and in December, we will
host a commemorative summit meeting in Tokyo.
Against this backdrop, I am very delighted to have theopportunity to visit Manila for the first time as Prime
Minister and to express my views on Japan’s foreign policy,
including strengthening relations with the Philippines
and ASEAN.

POLICY SPEECH AT THE JOINT SESSION
OF THE PHILIPPINE SENATE AND THE HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES:HEART-TO-HEART TIESFOR THE NEXT GENERATIONNOVEMBER 4, 2023
Full Text: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202311/04policyspeech.html

From November 3 to 5, Prime Minister Kishida visited the Philippines and Malaysia and held meetings withthe leaders of these countries. In the Philippines, the prime minister delivered a policy speech at the Joint
Session of the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives.
1. Introduction
Honorable Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, President of theSenate of the Republic of the Philippines,
Honorable Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speakerof the House of Representatives of the Republic of thePhilippines,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
The Philippines, with the second largest population
among ASEAN countries and more than 300,000 citizens
living in Japan, is an irreplaceable partner for Japan. I am
honored to have the opportunity to be the first JapanesePrime Minister to speak here at the Congress of thePhilippines, which has a long tradition.
In 1977, former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda
delivered a speech in Manila in the presence of President
Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, Sr. I am reminded that in thespeech, he expressed his desire to build a heart-to-heart
relationship of trust with Southeast Asia including thePhilippines, as equal partners.
A half century has passed since then. Exchanges
between our two countries have deepened, and today, therelationship between Japan and the Philippines is stronger
than ever.
Looking back over the long history of our bilateralrelationship, it has not always been smooth sailing. We
cannot forget the endeavor of our predecessors based on
the spirit of tolerance, including the pardon of Japanese
war criminals by President Quirino in 1953, which paved
the way for our two countries to overcome difficult times
and build the friendly relationship we enjoy today.
Today, Japan-Philippines relations have reached thepoint of being called a “golden age.” This year also marks
the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation

2. Japan’s Efforts to Address Challenges of the International
Community: the Importance of the Philippines and ASEAN
Ladies and gentlemen,
The international community is currently at a historicturning point, and the international order based on therule of law that we have taken for granted is under seriousthreat. The international community is also facing complex
and interrelated challenges such as climate change andinfectious diseases. Under these circumstances, we cannot
afford to have the world be divided based on ideologies
and values.
At the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May this year,
which I had the honor to chair, I listened to the diverse
voices of the international community, including those of
the countries referred to as the “Global South.” What I
strongly felt there was the need to return to the very basic
foundation that everyone can share. What I emphasize assuch a foundation is the idea of “human dignity.”
There is no better place to stress the significance of“human dignity” than here in the Philippine Congress.
The Constitution of the Philippines stipulates that theCongress shall give highest priority to protecting andenhancing the rights of all people to “human dignity.”
In order for everyone to live with dignity, it is essential
to build a peaceful and stable world. From this standpoint,
I confirmed with President Marcos during his visit to Japanin February that we would work together to maintain andstrengthen the free and open international order based on
the rule of law.
Furthermore, during my visit to the U.S. in January,
I expressed my strong determination to defend a “Freeand Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Also in March, I
announced a new plan to realize the FOIP. Underlying
this plan is our determination to lead the international
community toward cooperation rather than division andconfrontation, and to defend “freedom” and “the rule oflaw” at all costs.
Today, I stand here to share with you my renewed

commitment to further advance these efforts and to sharewith you my thoughts on how to do so.
There are “four pillars” in the new FOIP plan. The
first of these pillars is to uphold “principles for peace andrules for prosperity.” This is the idea of building “peace”
by confirming and promoting the basic principles that theinternational community should uphold.
For example, stability in the Mindanao region is linked
to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. From thisperspective, Japan has supported the peace process andeconomic development over the past two decades. We
just announced yesterday in our meeting with President
Marcos, the provision of heavy equipment for disastermanagement in Mindanao. This cooperation is based on
the vision of the FOIP.
3. The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship andCooperation
Ladies and gentlemen,
Fifty years ago, Japan has initiated dialogue with
ASEAN ahead of the rest of the world. Since then, Japanand ASEAN have helped each other in times of difficulty
and nurtured a relationship of trust with a heart-to-heart
connection through exchanges among peoples in a wide
range of fields and at various levels.
One of the lessons learned from this experience isthe second pillar of the new FOIP plan, “addressingchallenges in an Indo-Pacific way.” This is the idea ofaddressing global challenges in a realistic and practicalmanner, and enhancing the resilience and sustainability ofeach country as an equal partner.
For example, COVID-19 expanded divisions anddisparities in the international community. It is evident
that the world as a whole must respond to international
health challenges. Japan will support the ASEAN Centrefor Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies todevelop as a regional center of excellence.
Prime Minister Kishida held a Japan-Philippines Summit meeting with H.E.
Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, andattended a banquet hosted by the president with Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko.

Japan will also promote the third pillar of the new FOIP
plan, which is to strengthen “multi-layered connectivity.”
Needless to say, ASEAN is one of the priority regions inovercoming vulnerabilities by strengthening the linkages
among countries.
Japan will promote cooperation in line with theASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which
resonates with the FOIP. We will work with ASEAN toensure that many countries support and cooperate forthe principles and activities set forth in the AOIP, suchas openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and a rules-basedframework.
In the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué, Japan
led the way in strongly articulating our commitment
to strengthen coordination with ASEAN, to support
ASEAN centrality and unity, and to promote cooperationin line with the AOIP.
In March, Japan announced a new contribution of
US$100 million to the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund( JAIF). In addition, in September, Japan launched the“Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative”
to strengthen connectivity in both tangible and intangible
fronts. We will also mobilize private-sector funds tosupport ASEAN’s resilience and sustainability.
In the commemorative summit meeting in December,
we will jointly formulate a vision to create a new era ofsustainable and prosperous development together, whilebuilding “trust” for the next generation.
4. Progress in Japan-Philippines Relations(1) From a “Golden Age” to New Heights
Ladies and gentlemen,
Japan and the Philippines have strengthened theirrelationship at all levels in recent years. In 2016, whichmarked the 60th anniversary of the normalization ofdiplomatic relations, then Their Majesties Emperor andEmpress of Japan visited the Philippines. In February thisPrime Minister Kishida visited
the Metro Manila Subway Project
construction site and a Philippine
Coast Guard patrol ship (photo),both supported by Japan.

year, President Marcos, together with President of theSenate Zubiri and Speaker of the House of Representatives
Romualdez, visited Japan.
In addition, various exchanges and cooperation between
the two countries are underway, such as visit of membersof the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians’ Friendship
League to the Senate and the House of Representativesof the Philippines this summer. Now I would like tointroduce some specific examples of our cooperation.
(2) Security and Defense Cooperation
First, security and defense cooperation.
The last pillar of the new FOIP plan is “extendingefforts for security and safe use of the sea to the air.” Japan
has hitherto provided 12 ships to the Coast Guard to playa part in improving the Philippines’ maritime security
capability. Furthermore, a Japanese firm delivered awarning and control radar to the Philippine Air Force lastmonth in order to improve Air Domain Awareness.
Also yesterday, Japan agreed with the Philippines toprovide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippine
Navy as the first cooperation project in the world underJapan’s newly established Official Security Assistance(OSA) this year. Japan will continue to contribute to theenhancement of the Philippines’ security capabilities,
thereby contributing to regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, we concurred with President Marcos tocommence formal negotiations on a Japan-Philippines
reciprocal access agreement (RAA). Japan intends tofurther deepen strategic cooperation with the Philippines
in the future.
(3) Economy and Investment
Next, I would like to touch upon cooperation in theareas of economy and investment.
Japan is the largest donor to the Philippines. Throughthe 600 billion yen public-private assistance announced
in February which runs through March next year, we willcontinue to support economic and social development, inline with President Marcos’ “Build Better More” program.
For example, the construction of the Philippines’ firstsubway system is underway in Manila with Japanese
assistance. I am going to visit the construction site later
today. I am proud of the fact that Japan can play a part inthis subway project, which is said to be a 50-year dream.
Furthermore, Japan is one of the largest investors

in the Philippines on a private-sector basis. Publicprivate partnerships and investments in companies that
contribute to decarbonization are also underway. The
public and private sectors are eagerly working together tosupport the economic growth of the Philippines.
We welcome the signing of the Memorandum of
Cooperation in the field of Tourism. We hope that throughefforts such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup co-hostedby Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia this year, our“Golden Friendship” will lead to the next generation.
(4) Cooperation on Global Issues
Japan and the Philippines have also deepened
coordination in addressing global issues.
As a native of Hiroshima, nuclear disarmament is mylifework. I will continue to promote realistic and practicalefforts toward a “world without nuclear weapons.” With
this in mind, I am pleased that in September we were able
to co-host the Commemorative High-Level Event on aFissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT) with Foreign
Minister Manalo.
Regarding climate change, which the Marcos
administration also attaches great importance to, we are
deepening cooperation on energy transition throughthe realization of the “Asia Zero Emission Community(AZEC)” concept. We will hold the AZEC summit
meeting, and will work with participating countries
to pursue the common goal of “Net Zero” via various
pathways for energy transitions according to eachcountry’s circumstance.
(5) Strengthening Japan-Philippines-U.S. Cooperation
Lastly, I would like to offer a few words about thecooperation among Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S.
In order to maintain and strengthen a free and open
international order based on the rule of law, multilayered
cooperation among allies and like-minded countries
is crucial. In September, President Marcos, U.S. Vice
President Harris, and I exchanged views for the first timeand confirmed to enhance cooperation.
In the South China Sea, trilateral cooperation toprotect the freedom of the sea is underway. In addition
to the participation of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces in the
joint U.S.-Philippines exercises held last month, the firstjoint exercise by the coast guard agencies of the threecountries was held in June this year. Through these efforts,

let us protect the maritime order, which is governed bylaws and rules, not by force.
5. Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen,
As I have mentioned, the relationship between Japanand the Philippines has made great strides over thepast half century. I believe that the people-to-people
connection is the bedrock of this relationship.
I offered flowers yesterday at the monument to Dr. José
Rizal. Dr. Rizal, who had once stayed in Japan in his youth
and had the opportunity to interact with Japanese people,envisioned that our two countries would one day engage
in a full-fledged relationship.
Indeed, exchanges between the peoples of the twocountries have been unwavering. After the Great East
Japan Earthquake in 2011, the Philippines sent a medical
assistance team, and Filipino caregiver candidates
remained in the affected areas to provide dedicated care,saying, “We cannot abandon the elderly people.”
In return, when Typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013,
Japanese people from the disaster-stricken area of Tohoku
went to the Philippines to assist in the recovery andreconstruction efforts.
This kind of relationship is what former Prime
Minister of Japan Fukuda articulated, a “heart-to-heart”
relationship. I believe that it is the responsibility of thoseliving in the present to take the “heart-to-heart ties”
established by our predecessors to new heights and passthem on to the next generation.
The slogan for the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan
Friendship and Cooperation is “Golden Friendship,
Golden Opportunities.” At the ASEAN-Japan
Commemorative Summit Meeting in December, I hope
to work with President Marcos and other ASEAN leaders
to ensure that the “golden friendship” between Japan andASEAN will be a “golden opportunity” that leads to thenext generation.
To friends of the Philippines, ladies and gentlemen,In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest
gratitude for the warm hospitality upon my visit to thePhilippines. I will continue to do my utmost to ensure thatthe strong friendship between Japan and the Philippines
will last and further develop in the future.
Thank you very much for your time today. Salamatpo.

The above text was republished from the website of the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202311/04policyspeech.html