Emperor Naruhito of Japan is hopeful about further strengthening his country's “cooperative and friendly” relations with the Philippines, the new Japanese envoy in Manila said Monday.

Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa relayed the emperor's message during the presentation of his credentials to President Duterte in Malacañang.

“His Majesty the Emperor of Japan has instructed me to convey to you, Your Excellency, His Majesty’s best wishes and sincere hope that our cooperative, friendly relations would be further enhanced in years to come,” he said at the virtual ceremony held at the Palace.

Japan's emperor likewise sent his sincerest sympathies to the Filipinos affected by the coronavirus disease, according to the ambassador.

Koshikawa has vowed to exert effort to boost trade and investment ties between the two nations as well as promote the strategic partnership and cooperation in areas of infrastructure, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, health sector, Mindanao peace process as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

He said it was an honor and privilege to be assigned to the Philippines “at the time when our ties have culminated into golden age.”

“Our relationship between our two countries is a shining example of cooperation and mutual understanding which have consistently been nurtured by our predecessors. Excellency, I highly expect the development and the achievement of the Philippines on many fronts and your Excellency’s prominent leadership,” he told the President.

With the 65th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines next year, the new envoy said he hopes 2021 will be a memorable year to propel the strategic partnership in all aspects.

In his remarks via video conference from the Malago clubhouse, President Duterte thanked Japan for its assistance to the Philippines, from fighting the coronavirus pandemic to advancing infrastructure development. He recognized Japan as the Philippines' friend closer than a brother, citing their strategic partnership.

“As a friend that is closer than a brother, Japan occupies a singular and special place in our foreign relations. Japan is a strategic partner and one of our most important partners in trade and investments and development cooperation,” he said.

Duterte said the two countries have fostered “vibrant and fruitful ties,” citing its support for the Philippines' development agenda including his Build, Build, Build program as well as development aid to Mindanao.

“Next year, we will mark the 65th year of the normalization of our ties and the 10th year of our strengthened partnership. Let us celebrate our collective gains even if we recommit our shared aspirations for greater peace, progress and prosperity for our countries and the region,” Duterte said.