MANILA, Philippines – Japan expressed its commitment to continue strengthening its strategic relations with the Philippines in the areas of peace and security, trade, infrastructure, food security and nuclear cooperation under the leadership of its new prime minister.
In a news release shared by the Embassy of Japan, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae discussed how to further strengthen the partnership between the two states, as strategic partners toward a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), during the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the 47th ASEAN Summit.
During the meeting, Takaichi and Marcos, Jr. welcomed the agreement “in principle” of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which is a formal agreement that will allow both countries to exchange logistical support, supplies and services during joint military exercises, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
“I met with President Marcos of the Philippines. We welcomed the fact that an agreement in principle has been reached on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will contribute to strengthening our security cooperation,” Takaichi posted on X.
Still on the subject of security cooperation, both leaders also welcomed the entry into force of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in September this year, with its first application on a joint exercise this month, and the transport of humanitarian aid for affected communities after the Cebu earthquake.
“Both leaders concurred on continuing to strengthen the foundation for security cooperation that contributes to the peace and stability of the Philippines and the region,” Japan's Foreign Ministry (MOFA) stated.
On the economic front, Takaichi conveyed Japan’s desire to leverage its strengths to promote the Philippines’ resilience by strengthening is economy and infrastructure, as well as provide equipment for post-harvest rice processing to strengthen the Philippines’ food security.
Takaichi also mentioned the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between Japan and the Philippines on energy cooperation during the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting this October.
“Prime Minister Takaichi conveyed Japan’s intention to advance civil nuclear cooperation and to cooperate toward the success of AZEC next year,” MOFA said.
For the upcoming 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, Takaichi assured the Philippines and the ASEAN Chairmanship of its commitment on continuing close coordination in addressing various international challenges, including the situation in the South China Sea, responses to North Korea encompassing nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue, the situations in Myanmar, and the situations in the Cambodia-Thailand border areas, MOFA mentioned.
“Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and the Philippines will serve as the ASEAN Chair. We will continue to work together as strategic partners toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” Takaichi said in her post on X.
