PILAR, Bataan -- Japan and the United States pledged on Monday, April 9, stronger ties with the Philippines as the three countries marked the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to devote to world peace and cultivate friendship with the Philippines.

“We are here enjoying what President Duterte called the Golden Age of Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Philippines,” Haneda said.

He stressed that partnership has expanded beyond trade, investment and development assistance as it now includes security and defense cooperation.

For his part, United States Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Michael Klecheski paid tribute to the Filipino heroes who fought during the war with the Americans.

“It’s a day to remember that Filipinos and Americans fought together and sacrificed together. Our peoples remain allies and friends,” Klecheski said.

He also pledged that the United States will continue its aid to the Philippines particularly on counter-terrorism.

“We will continue to support livelihood, health, education and other programs to Mindanao which was affected during the war in Marawi City,” Klecheski added.(PIA)