Philippines-Japan Foreign Ministers Discuss Enhanced Ties Ahead of Trilateral Summit

WASHINGTON D.C. 12 April 2024 - Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo met his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, during a bilateral meeting held on 11 April 2024 at the margins of the Trilateral Japan-Philippines-US Summit in Washington, D.C.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed the Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership and noted that the bilateral relations are currently at the highest level.  They also noted the deepened defense and security cooperation between the two countries through existing dialogue mechanisms in various areas. They looked forward to the convening of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Meeting (2+2) of the Philippines and Japan, which the Philippines is scheduled to hold this year.

Secretary Manalo affirmed Japan’s status as one of the Philippines’ most dependable partners in all facets of our bilateral relations, including the Official Development Assistance (ODA), maritime security, and trade and investments, and recently the Official Security Assistance (OSA), which allows the Philippines to acquire a coastal radar system which enhances the Philippine Armed Forces’ maritime domain awareness capabilities.

Both Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Kamikawa also discussed the issue of the West Philippines Sea, and thanked Japan for its firm and unequivocal support to the Philippine position on the West Philippine Sea, to maritime rights and jurisdiction, including freedom of navigation. They also discussed regional and international issues, such as Gaza and disarmament matters, specifically the Fissile Missile Cut-Off Treaty, the West Philippine Sea, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the East China Sea.

Secretary Manalo closed the meeting by saying that it was a good opportunity to go over the progress of the Philippine-Japan bilateral relationship and to discuss ways to further strengthen it.

The Philippines and Japan will be marking the 70th anniversary of its diplomatic relations in 2026. END