Japan and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to deepen security and economic cooperation during a bilateral meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related Summit meetings in Malaysia on 26 October.

The meeting, which lasted about 20 minutes, marked one of Prime Minister Takaichi’s first major diplomatic engagements since assuming office. She expressed her intent to enhance relations with the Philippines, describing the country as a strategic partner in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”

President Marcos congratulated Takaichi on her appointment and emphasized his desire to strengthen the enduring friendship between Manila and Tokyo, especially as both nations prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations next year.

Stronger defense and security cooperation

Both leaders welcomed the in-principle agreement on the Japan-Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will enhance interoperability between their armed forces through the exchange of supplies and services.

They also noted the recent entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in September, which allows both countries’ defense forces to deploy troops to each other’s territories for joint exercises. The RAA was first applied this month during a joint drill and the transport of support goods following the Cebu earthquake.

Japan and the Philippines also reaffirmed their collaboration under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework and agreed to continue building a foundation for regional peace and stability.

Economic resilience and infrastructure development

In the economic sphere, Prime Minister Takaichi underscored Japan’s intent to help bolster the Philippine economy’s resilience by supporting infrastructure projects and promoting food security initiatives. She highlighted Tokyo’s plan to provide equipment for post-harvest rice processing, reinforcing Japan’s commitment to agricultural modernization.

President Marcos, for his part, expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and said he looks forward to further cooperation “across a wide range of fields,” including trade, energy, and innovation.

Energy and regional cooperation

Prime Minister Takaichi also cited the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on comprehensive energy cooperation signed at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting earlier this month. She conveyed Japan’s readiness to advance civil nuclear cooperation and work closely with the Philippines in ensuring the success of next year’s AZEC gathering.

As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on pressing regional and international concerns, including the South China Sea, North Korea, Myanmar, and tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

The meeting underscored the growing strategic and economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines — one that continues to evolve amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.