Japan’s Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu visited Manila for a Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Brunch with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two-hour meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in security, economic development, and regional stability.
During the meeting, Secretary Lazaro welcomed Minister MOTEGI’s visit and reaffirmed the Philippines’ intention to strengthen ties with Japan this year. Minister MOTEGI expressed his pleasure in visiting the Philippines at the start of this milestone year and highlighted the strategic importance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the rule of law. He also emphasized Japan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Philippines on regional and international issues.
In the area of security and maritime cooperation, the two Ministers signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which reinforces the foundation of bilateral security following last year’s Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). They also signed and exchanged notes for Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2025 project, the first infrastructure initiative under Japan’s OSA program, which includes boathouses and slipways for rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) for the Philippine Navy. Coastal radar systems provided under the project arrived in the Philippines on January 14. Minister MOTEGI highlighted Japan’s continued support for the Philippines’ maritime capabilities through the provision of Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).
On economic and development matters, the Ministers confirmed ongoing collaboration on major connectivity projects in the capital area, including the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, as well as joint efforts in flood control and disaster management. They emphasized the need to diversify supply chains amid growing concerns over export controls on critical minerals and reaffirmed cooperation in the field of economic security. Japan reiterated its support for the Mindanao peace process, signing grant assistance for wireless communication equipment to aid development efforts in the region. The two Ministers also confirmed continued cooperation in civil nuclear energy and under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform. Minister MOTEGI expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and requested continued collaboration for GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama.
Regional and international matters were also discussed, with Minister MOTEGI stressing the importance of ASEAN stability and Japan’s full support for the Philippines as this year’s ASEAN Chair to ensure regional unity and centrality. The Ministers shared concerns about unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea and agreed to continue close cooperation on maritime security. They also reaffirmed the strategic importance of Japan-US-Philippines trilateral cooperation and US engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Additional discussions covered developments in Venezuela, the Middle East including Iran, and North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues, with both sides confirming their intent to continue collaborating on these matters.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting shared commitments to security, economic growth, and regional stability while setting the stage for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.