Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu visited key infrastructure sites and met with Philippine economic officials on January 14 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

Motegi began his visit with a flower offering at Rizal Park, paying tribute to national hero Jose Rizal, who led the Philippine independence movement.

Later in the afternoon, Motegi visited the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project site, a flood control initiative supported by Japan through yen loan assistance. He also inspected the Manggahan Floodway, which was completed with Japanese support, and received briefings on the progress of flood mitigation measures in Metro Manila.

In the evening, Motegi held a meeting with Philippine officials overseeing economic affairs, including Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Public Works and Highways Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain.

During the meeting, Motegi reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ sustainable economic development as it works toward upper middle-income status. He emphasized that the Philippines remains an important partner for Japan in both trade and investment, noting Japan’s strong interest in the country’s market potential.

The officials discussed ways to further improve the transparency and predictability of the Philippine investment environment, as well as future directions for economic cooperation. Motegi cited his visit to the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project as an example of how Japan could continue sharing its expertise and technology, particularly in disaster risk reduction.

Philippine officials expressed appreciation for Japan’s long-standing support and conveyed hopes for deeper cooperation in the years ahead. Discussions also covered disaster management, transport infrastructure projects such as the Manila Subway, agriculture, information and communications technology, and other priority areas.

The meeting also addressed economic security concerns, with Motegi stressing the importance of strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors amid global uncertainties. Both sides agreed to cooperate closely, including with like-minded countries, to enhance economic security and support sustainable growth.