MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs IWAYA Takeshi will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from 14 to 15 January 2025, upon the invitation of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, DFA announced through an official statement.
According to the DFA, Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Iwaya will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss political, defense, security, economic and development cooperation, as well as other areas of mutual concern.
The Ministers will likewise be exchanging views on regional and international developments, the statement added.
“Amidst an increasingly complex security environment, they are expected to reaffirm the mutual commitment to further enhancing the ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries and to seize new opportunities for cooperation,” the DFA mentioned.
In July 2024, the Philippines and Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), as the two nations’ foreign and defense ministers met during the “2+2” meeting in Manila, following discussions during then Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to the Philippines last year.
Last October 2024, Japan and the Philippines agreed to fast-track procedures for the “early entry” into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said.
This was discussed during informal talks between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Lao People’s Democratic Republic during the ASEAN-related Summit meetings.
“The two leaders confirmed that they will proceed with the procedures for the early entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed between two countries last July,” the Ministry stated.
The DFA also underscored the Philippines and Japan will be celebrating in 2026 the 70th year of the normalization of bilateral relations.
