Policy Speech by Prime Minister Kishida at the Joint Session of the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives

04 November 2023 -

On 4 November 2023 (local time), Prime Minister Kishida, who is visiting Manila in the Philippines, held a meeting with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, before delivering a policy speech at the Joint Session of the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives.

In his policy speech, Prime Minister highlighted the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

Fifty years ago, Japan has initiated dialogue with ASEAN ahead of the rest of the world. Since then, Japan and 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 is the second pillar of the new Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) plan, “addressing challenges in an Indo-Pacific way.” This is the idea of addressing global challenges in a realistic and practical manner, and enhancing resilience and sustainability of each country as an equal partner.

For example, COVID-19 expanded divisions and disparities in the international community. It is evident that the world as a whole must respond to international health challenges. Japan will support the ASEAN Centre for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies to develop as a regional center of excellence.

Japan will promote cooperation in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which resonates with the FOIP.

In March, Japan announced a new contribution of USD100 million to the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

Read the full Policy Speech by Prime Minister here.

The Philippine News Agency and Business World also published articles regarding the visit of Prime Minister.