Japan, China, US, India extend Independence Day greetings to Philippines

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and China’s President Xi Jinping have extended their greetings to the Filipino people on the 122nd anniversary of Philippine independence, Malacañang said Friday.

In a statement, the Palace said President Rodrigo Duterte was “profoundly honored” to receive the message of the emperor.

Naruhito’s message echoed the “beautiful harmony and goodwill heralded by his ascension to the throne last year” and was “deeply appreciated by the nation,” it added.

Duterte attended Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony in October last year, but the President had to cut short his trip due to an “unbearable pain” in his spinal column. The President’s doctor said it was a case of muscular spasm.

“The Philippines values its special ties with Japan, and is committed to further advancing the bilateral strategic partnership, which both sides have ushered into this golden age,” the Palace said.

Xi extended his “warm wishes” to Duterte and the Filipino people during their phone conversation on Thursday, the Palace said. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings during his telephone conversation with Duterte on Tuesday.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took pride in the US-Philippine alliance, which he said was  “fortified by our shared history, rich people-to-people ties, and deep bilateral cooperation.”

“As we stood together during World War II and in the global fight against terrorism, our nations are partnering again to contain and mitigate COVID-19,” he said.

“Our friendship and cooperation stand as a model for ensuring peace, stability, prosperity, and health across the Indo-Pacific.”

The Philippines declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. The Southeast Asian nation, however, became a colony of the US in the same year. The US ruled over the Philippines until 1946. -MDM, GMA News