By Liza Soriano

The Philippines is an irreplaceable partner for Japan.

So said Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Saturday in his speech as he graced the special joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

Kishida likewise said that he was honored to speak before the Congress of the Philippines.

The most recent joint gathering of the House of Representatives and the Senate to receive a message from a foreign head of state occurred in February 2006 when Indian President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam visited.

The joint Congress has previously hosted several other international leaders, including Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in April 2005, China President Hu Jintao in April 2005, US President George W. Bush in 2003, and US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.

“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 Japanese Prime Minister to speak here at the Congress of the Philippines, which has a long tradition,” the Prime Minister said.

He also said that the Japan-Philippines relationship has reached the point of being called a “golden age.”

“This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, and in December, we will host a commemorative summit meeting in Tokyo,” Kishida said.

“Against this backdrop, I am very delighted to have the opportunity 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,” he added.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez extended appreciation to Kishida.

“In the spirit of unity and partnership, we extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to his excellency, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio,” Romualdez said.

“With reverence and hope for our shared future, today’s discourse fortifies the bridge between our great nations. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po tayong lahat!” he added.

Kishida visited the Philippines from November 3 to 4. He was welcomed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday in Malacañang Palace.

(ai/mnm)