Shangri-La the Fort, Taguig City
February 22, 2023

“I wish abundant happiness and blessings to His Majesty The Emperor as he leads Japan to continued prosperity and the promotion of peace,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said as he greeted Emperor Naruhito on the occasion of His Majesty’s 63rd birthday celebration in a reception at the Shangri-La the Fort Hotel in Taguig City.

In his toast remarks, the President highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines, emphasizing Japan’s steadfast support as a reliable economic and development partner. He also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s unwavering support towards promoting peace and economic growth in Mindanao.

“Over the years, Japan has been many things to the Philippines — Japan has been a friend, a neighbor, a strategic partner. Japan has been one of our steadfast partners in the efforts to realize the Philippines’ transformative agenda – in infrastructure, in social inclusion, in defense, to name but a few,” stated the President.

The Chief Executive also affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the “enduring friendship and camaraderie between the Philippines and Japan,” underscoring the importance of this relationship, and expressed his wishes for peace and prosperity of the Japanese people.

The reigning Emperor’s birthday is celebrated annually and is considered a Japanese national holiday. It is currently observed every February 23rd, the natal day of His Majesty who is born on 23 February 1960.

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