Ambassador Endo's New Year's Greeting for 2025

Manigong Bagong Taon po sa inyong lahat! Happy New Year!　
 
Referred to as the "Golden Age" in our ties, Japan and the Philippines have built a strong relationship in recent years, supported by the friendship between our peoples and their shared values. With this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have expanded to a wide range of areas, including the economy, security, people to people exchanges, and culture, ushering in a new era in Japan-Philippines relations.
 
Through three rounds of visits between the leaders of Japan and the Philippines in 2023, the two leaders confirmed their commitment to further developing bilateral relations. In April last year, the first Japan-U.S.-Philippines Summit was held. In July, then Foreign Minister Kamikawa and then Defense Minister Kihara visited the Philippines to hold the second Japan-Philippines Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting and signed the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). The Senate of the Philippines concurred in the ratification of this agreement in December.
 
In November, at the Foreign Ministers Meeting between Minister Iwaya of Japan and Secretary Manalo of the Philippines, the two Ministers confirmed their intent to deepen cooperation in a variety of fields in preparation for the 70th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines next year. Moreover, concrete cooperation through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Official Security Assistance (OSA) continue to progress. Building further on the “Golden Age” we enjoy today, the relationship between Japan and the Philippines is constantly evolving to even greater heights.
 
It goes without saying that the development of Japan-Philippines relations has been greatly supported by private companies, cultural and academic exchanges, as well as deepening people-to-people exchanges. Without these, the recent growth of the bilateral relationship would not have been possible. From April to October this year, the Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held with the participation of the Philippines. It is expected that many tourists from the Philippines will visit the Expo, which will further deepen people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Philippines. Keeping in mind the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2026, we hope to continue making efforts to further strengthen our bilateral ties. I would like to ask for your continued support and cooperation this new year and beyond.

May the coming year bring prosperity, good health, and countless reasons to smile to everyone. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!