Concord

TO address global challenges and ensure stability, nations have to embark on business meetings to assure prosperity for their people.
Since World War II, Japan—being a staunch adherent of globalization—has always provided ways to help the Philippines gain its full potential. This bilateral relation was built by trust and support.
With an aim to build an even stronger alliance with an important friend and ally, President Benigno Aquino arrived in Japan on June 24 to further cement a strategic partnership with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Upon his return, Aquino brought with him a renewed commitment from Japan in wide-ranging areas, such as tourism, exchange programs, infrastructure and government reforms. The current exchanges between the two countries have seen an increase of investments reaching $16.5 billion.
Aquino also thanked Japan for its generosity in assisting the Philippines in wide-ranging endeavors, especially for its continued support in helping the victims of Typhoon “Yolanda.”
Also, to further strengthen such partnership, the two nations have reached an agreement on maritime cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Furthermore, the diplomatic relations entered a new phase with trust, contributing to peace and stability in the region and over the world.
Abe relayed to Aquino the approaches Japan is taking “under the policy of proactive contribution to peace” in addressing regional conflict. This includes drawing up principles for the transfer of defense equipment and ongoing studies to revisit the Japanese Constitution to enable Japan to exercise its “right to collective self-defense” with the Philippines and its other allies.
Alluding to the current tension in South China Sea, Abe shared his approaches of making and clarifying claims based on international law, without using force or coercion in trying to drive these claims and seeking to settle disputes by peaceful means.
Aquino agreed with the Japanese prime minister’s proposal. He welcomed Japan’s desire to enhance its ability to address international obligations and attain global peace and mutual prosperity.
After several run-ins with China in disputed waters in the South China Sea, the two countries are poised to defend their respective sovereignty against any belligerent scenario.
The costly one-day working trip proved worth it. The allotted (Php 8.8 million or $200,000) for the rendezvous covered transportation, accommodation, food and equipment of Aquino and his 41-member delegation.
The benefits from the meeting outweigh the costs. The two nations are successful in reaffirming the strong bond between them and recognizing shared interest in the region.
The renewed partnership will facilitate a regional integration. This will create dynamic and stable domestic economies—benefitting the needs of both their people.
(AJPress)