Manila, May 28 -- The Philippines and Japan on Thursday formalized the elevation of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest tier in the Philippines diplomatic framework and a reflection of exceptional level of trust between the two nations.

The status upgrade was announced following a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, Japan.

Marcos said the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the two countries' deepening ties amid evolving regional and global challenges and builds on decades of cooperation in key sectors.

"As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between...