Marcos, Takaichi agree to bolster PH-Japan cooperation

The Philippines and Japan have agreed to continue strengthening their collaboration in several fields such as the economy, security, and energy, as well as their trilateral cooperation with the United States.

This was after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae, on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to a summary of their bilateral meeting posted on the website of the Prime Minister of Japan, Marcos congratulated Takaichi on her recent victory and expressed his intention to strengthen their two nations’ ties as they mark 70 years of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The Japanese Prime Minister agreed on further strengthening relations with the Philippines “as a strategic partner, toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

“Both leaders concurred 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,” the summary stated.

The two leaders welcomed the development that their nations have “reached an agreement in principle” on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which would allow them to exchange logistical support, supplies, and services.

On Sunday, Marcos met with several state leaders on Sunday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Takaichi also took to X to share her thoughts on her first in-person summit with the President.

“I confirmed a substantial agreement with President Marcos on the Japan-Philippines Mutual Provision of Supplies and Services Agreement (ACSA), and I believe we achieved significant results, starting with the field of security,” she said.

The Japanese Prime Minister added that they will strengthen relations with the Philippines “toward Japan-US-Philippines cooperation and the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

In April, Marcos and then Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru agreed to initiate discussions on the ACSA to further enhance their defense cooperation.

Marcos and Takaichi also tackled the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement between the Philippines and Japan and its first application in the transport of support goods following the devastating Cebu earthquake, as well as the progress of cooperation through the Official Security Assistance.

“Both leaders concurred on continuing working to strengthen the foundation for security cooperation that contributes to the peace and stability of the Philippines and the region,” the summary from the Japanese Prime Minister’s office said.

Takaichi also conveyed Japan’s desire to “leverage its strengths to promote the resilience of the Philippines’ economy and infrastructure.”

“She also stated Japan’s intention to contribute to the Philippines’ food security through the provision of equipment for post-harvest rice processing,” the summary stated.

Marcos thanked Japan’s cooperation through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and expressed his desire to “further strengthen cooperation not only in ODA but also across a wide range of fields.”

Takaichi also mentioned the signing of a memorandum of cooperation on comprehensive energy cooperation between Japan and the Philippines at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting, adding that Japan also intends to “advance civil nuclear cooperation and to cooperate toward the success of AZEC next year.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News