Tokyo, Japan
December 17, 2023

“Our ‘Heart to Heart’ partnership not only allows two-way cultural and people-to-people exchanges, it also promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated during the second session of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo, Japan.

In his intervention, the Chief Executive recognized Japan’s commitment and steadfast support for numerous initiatives in promoting friendship and camaraderie amongst the peoples of ASEAN and Japan, including the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program that has been a key component in building friendship and mutual understanding among young people in ASEAN and Japan; and the Sport for Tomorrow (SFT) Program that not only promotes sports awareness amongst ASEAN youth, but also encourages inclusivity in sports by supporting the participation of women and persons with disability; among others.

“The 50 years of harmonious relations between ASEAN and Japan is a testament that our friendship, trust and shared concerns are the building blocks of peace and stability in our region,” President Marcos Jr. added.

“We look forward to ASEAN’s and Japan’s continued partnership beyond the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. We have done much in the previous 50 years, I believe the future can even be brighter,” he ended in his message.

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