INTERVIEW: Envoy Hails Growing Japan-Philippines Security, Economic Ties

By Yuka Moriyama Tokyo, July 5 (Jiji Press)–Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano has emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and economic affairs as the two countries prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations later this month. Bilateral relations are now at “the highest point ever,” following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan in late May, Garcia-Albano said in an interview with Jiji Press on Thursday. During the visit, Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the first such partnership for the Philippines. Garcia-Albano identified defense and security as areas with particularly strong potential for further cooperation. She cited progress on the reciprocal access agreement and the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, which are respectively intended to facilitate joint military exercises and the sharing of supplies and services between the two countries. “Because of the geopolitical shifts and uncertainties that are happening in the world today, as well as in the region,…we are committed to continuing to work together,” she said. “We have a more robust defense and security relationship.” She underscored the significance of the recent initiative by Japan and the Philippines to launch talks on delimiting their overlapping exclusive economic zones. “It’s always important for nations to be able to establish clear boundaries between their two countries,” she said. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 international arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines in its maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea. The ambassador said she was pleased to “celebrate the success of the Philippine initiative,” while expressing gratitude to Japan, among other countries, for supporting her nation and speaking up about its maritime rights. On the economic front, Garcia-Albano expressed hope that support from Japanese companies would help upgrade the skills of Philippine workers in the semiconductor industry, saying that such businesses can provide “opportunities not only for employment but also for further training and development.” She added that Japan consistently ranks as the most trusted foreign country among Filipinos in opinion surveys, a reputation she attributed in part to the presence of Japanese companies operating in the Philippines. A public opinion poll conducted by the Philippines’ OCTA Research found that nearly 80 pct of Filipinos trust Japan, one of the highest levels of international trust recorded in its recent surveys. The ambassador also highlighted Japanese involvement in the transport sector, including projects to develop a subway system in Manila, the country’s first, and a railway line linking Metro Manila and Malolos. She described the Japan-supported projects as “a game changer for the citizens of the Philippines.” In the energy sector, the Philippines is seeking to strengthen its strategic petroleum reserve system with technical expertise and support from the Japanese government amid concerns over supply disruptions stemming from the turmoil in the Middle East. Japan is providing assistance under its Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia, or POWERR Asia, framework. Drawing on its own experience of expanding oil stockpiles following the oil shocks of the 1970s, Japan has been “quite receptive to our request for assistance,” Garcia-Albano said. Citing the Philippines’ limited oil reserves as a major challenge, the ambassador said Japanese assistance could help the country reduce its dependence on oil supplies from the Middle East and build more resilient regional energy supply systems. She also pointed to renewable energy and small modular nuclear reactors as potential areas of cooperation with Japan to strengthen the Philippines’ “energy resilience.” In January, Japan’s Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc. delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fueled Kamsarmax bulk carrier. The vessel, the Brave Pioneer, was named by Marcos. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]