Maritime security and defense cooperation will take center stage as Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visits Manila from April 29 to 30 for his first bilateral trip to the Philippines since assuming office in September 2024.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said the two-day visit underscores Japan’s “strong commitment” to deepening ties with the Philippines and reaffirming their shared vision for regional peace, prosperity, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Ishiba and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are expected to discuss the implementation of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)—a landmark deal signed during the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting in July 2024 that facilitates joint military training and operations between the two nations.
Kazuya also announced that the two will discuss Japan’s transfer of air surveillance radar systems to the Philippines and continued support through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, as part of its commitment under the RAA.
“The discussions will further promote our security and defense cooperation in order to maintain and strengthen rules-based international order and enhance collaborations on various matters,” Kazuya said.
“To this day, Japan and the Philippines have seized various opportunities as maritime nations and strategic partners who share the same fundamental values and principles,” he added.
Beyond security, Japan is also keen to back President Marcos’ development agenda, particularly his vision for the Philippines to achieve upper middle-income status. This includes enhanced cooperation in technology, infrastructure, and energy.
“Japan is also supporting the Philippines in the following fields: telecommunication through Open RAN and undersea cables, infrastructure development of railways and highways, and energy in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG),” Kazuya said in a statement.
“Japan continues to contribute to combating climate change, improving agricultural productivity and disaster preparedness in the Philippines. The Mindanao Peace Process also remains an important agenda for both our countries,” he added.
