Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s upcoming visit to Manila marks a pivotal moment in Japan-Philippines relations, as it will be his first bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. since he took office in September 2024. Scheduled for April 29-30, 2024, the meeting will focus on various key topics, including national security cooperation, maritime law enforcement, and the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that was signed during the 2+2 Meeting in July 2024.
Ambassador Kazuya Endo highlighted that the discussions will extend to include the transfer of air surveillance radar systems and ongoing Official Security Assistance from Japan to the Philippines. The two nations plan to enhance cooperation in promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” emphasizing the importance of a rules-based international order, which aligns with broader geopolitical interests.
In terms of economic collaboration, the importance of maintaining bilateral dialogue on global trade developments was underscored. Endo noted that Japan and the Philippines share common values, encouraging joint efforts to strengthen the global economy through a multilateral trading system.
Further aligning with President Marcos’ vision for the Philippines to achieve upper middle-income status, Japan is poised to provide vital support across various sectors. This includes investments in telecommunications, infrastructure development, and energy projects, such as liquefied natural gas initiatives. Japan is also committed to addressing climate change, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving disaster preparedness in the Philippines.
Another critical area of focus remains the Mindanao peace process, which continues to be a shared priority for both nations. The agenda for the meeting represents a comprehensive approach to bolstering cooperation on security, trade, and infrastructure, reflecting the deepening relationships between Japan and the Philippines in multiple spheres.
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