Towards the summit of progress: Japan and the Philippines’ enduring partnership

Whatever political development you may find in the recent election, the Philippines’ engagements with international partners are crucial for regional stability and prosperity. The remarkable frequency of high-level visits between Japan and the Philippines underscores the profound importance of our enduring cooperation.

From Japan, Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi visited the Philippines in January, followed by Defense Minister Nakatani Gen in February. Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakano Hiromasa also made his visit from April 27 to 28.

Culminating these engagements, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru made his first official visit to the Philippines from April 29 to 30. This marked the second visit by a Japanese prime minister under the Marcos administration, a testament to the sustained momentum of our ties.

The visits by Philippine economic secretaries to Japan further solidified the channels of communication between our two nations.

The recent meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Marcos on April 29 demonstrated the breadth and depth of Japan-Philippines cooperation. The discussions were both substantive and forward-looking, addressing a range of crucial areas for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

In the economic sphere, Prime Minister Ishiba articulated that Japan would continue to strongly support the Philippines’ efforts to be an upper-middle-income country, a vision championed by the Marcos administration. The two leaders agreed to strengthen public-private partnerships to increase the resilience of the Philippines’ telecommunications, considering that Japanese companies are participating in the submarine cable project supported by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the construction of a 5G telecommunications network through the open Radio Access Network (RAN) demonstration test.

Turning to critical areas of energy and natural resources, the two leaders confirmed public-private partnerships for the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the Philippines. They also agreed to promote cooperation through the Asian Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) and shared recognition of the necessity of a stable business environment in the Philippines for mineral resource projects such as nickel.

The enduring threat of natural disasters necessitates unwavering cooperation in disaster management. President Marcos and Prime Minister Ishiba agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in this vital area. Notably, the Japanese government has long been a most steadfast partner in numerous flood control and early warning system projects in the Philippines. Likewise, both leaders, having served respectively as Minister and Secretary of Agriculture, engaged in constructive discussion affirming their dedication to close cooperation in the agricultural sector and in fostering infrastructure development.

Security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines has witnessed exceptional progress in recent years. The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), signed in July 2024, was unanimously approved by the Philippine Senate last December 2024. Deliberations for its ratification are also under way in the Japanese Diet.

During the recent Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting, the two leaders welcomed the progress made towards the implementation of the RAA and concurred to commence negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The ACSA is a bilateral agreement which establishes a framework for settlement procedures among others, for the provision of goods and services between the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) and foreign militaries. It will enable the smooth mutual provision of goods and services between the two sides and promote closer cooperation in joint operations.

The two leaders also confirmed the importance of the early conclusion of an Agreement on the Security of Information and agreed to facilitate discussions among governments to this end.

The recent visit by Prime Minister Ishiba also highlighted our common challenges in an increasingly complex global landscape. The two leaders had a comprehensive discussion on the impact of US tariffs and China’s retaliatory measures on the global economy and the multilateral trade regime. Prime Minister Ishiba detailed the impacts the current situation has had on Japanese companies that have established operations in Southeast Asia, which are contributing significantly to the region’s economic development. He also emphasized his commitment to actively listen to the voices of Southeast Asian countries in navigating these challenges.

Moreover, both leaders discussed the situation in the East and South China Seas, confirming to oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. They reaffirmed their commitment to the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law through deepened Japan-Philippines-US trilateral cooperation.

During his visit, Prime Minister Ishiba visited the 97-meter class patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which Japan has provided through Official Development Assistance (ODA). This patrol vessel has been making significant contributions in maintaining maritime order in the waters surrounding the Philippines, including the South China Sea.

Prime Minister Ishiba also visited the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Mine Sweeper Tender Bungo and Mine Sweeper Ocean Etajima, which were then berthed at the Port of Manila. The increasing frequency of JMSDF vessels visiting the Philippines in recent years showcases the strengthening security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. A goodwill training exercise conducted by Bungo, Etajima and the Philippine Navy (PN) further enhanced friendship and mutual understanding.

Exchanges and cooperation between Japan and the Philippines will undoubtedly continue. During the Summit Meeting, discussions touched upon the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which commenced on April 13. Prime Minister Ishiba and President Marcos, both of the same age, recalled their respective visits to the 1970 Osaka Expo as teenagers and remembered enjoying the experience.

Japan sincerely hopes that many Filipinos will have the opportunity to visit this year’s Expo. In particular, the Philippine Pavilion promises to be a captivating showcase of the rich beauty of Philippine culture, heritage and biodiversity.

We encourage you to come to the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 to witness cutting-edge technologies from around the world, contemplate the future of life and rediscover the beauty and appeal of the Philippines.

*      *      *

Endo Kazuya is the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines.