On 02 March 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya of Japan held a courtesy meeting with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to review bilateral relations between the two countries. The discussion coincided with the 70th Anniversary of Friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

Officials emphasized strengthening the Japan–Philippines “Strategic Partnership” in areas such as security and defense, economic cooperation, the Mindanao peace process, and people-to-people exchanges. Recto acknowledged Japan’s continued support and investment in the Philippines, while both sides also exchanged views on public safety and the business environment.

Ambassador Endo and Executive Secretary Recto agreed to maintain active collaboration to further enhance bilateral ties amid evolving regional and global challenges.