President Benigno S. Aquino III has hailed the robust relations between the Philippines and Japan especially in areas of peace and development since the end of World War 2.

On the occasion of Japan Memorial Day on August 15, the President cited the two countries have become "friends bound by ties of democracy, development, culture and cooperation."

"The bilateral relations between our countries have improved significantly in the generations since the end of the war," he said in a statement posted on a government website.

The President said that Japan has become the Philippines’ largest contributor in Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing more than half of total foreign aid in the country.

Japan is also an active partner of the Philippines in the peace process in Mindanao through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – funded development programs in conflict-affected communities, according to Pres. Aquino.

"Paying tribute to those who came before us will have more meaning if we work towards improving the lives of our people. A stronger partnership founded on mutual goals of peace, progress and prosperity will surely benefit future generations of both nations," he added.

The President noted that for the Japanese people, the annual observance of Japan Memorial Day marks a solemn time of remembrance of those who fell during the Second World War.

"For us, this time is also of remembrance. We remember the Filipino, Japanese and American soldiers and civilians who paid dearly, in lives and treasure, during that era of discord when the world had yet to fully embrace the values of freedom and peace," he said.

Mr. Aquino said the world learned a harsh lesson from the war to forge a common commitment to peace.

In November 1986, he said his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, met Emperor Showa in Japan where they agreed to foster similar ideas of peace, “and to focus on a better future for both our countries based on mutual respect.”