PH Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo, Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Discuss Overall Strengthening of Philippines-Japan Relations
(photo courtesy to DFA-OPD Maria Vanessa Ubac)
MANILA 10 July 2024 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko. During the meeting, they affirmed the continuing dynamic relations between the two countries in all aspects of the bilateral relationship, and candidly discussed issues of utmost importance to both the Philippines and Japan, including the current geopolitical and economic environment. They affirmed that the Philippines-Japan bilateral relationship is important towards the maintenance of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Manalo and Minister Kamikawa discussed the West Philippine Sea. He noted the strong support of Japan to the Philippines for this issue as well as for the rules-based international order, particularly through adherence to UNCLOS and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award. They affirmed that the Philippines and Japan share a common interest in keeping the waters of the Indo-Pacific safe and free, and stressed the importance of continuing to deepen and expand maritime cooperation.
Both Ministers recognized Japan’s contribution to maritime domain awareness, as well as capacity building for the Philippine Coast Guard.
Secretary Manalo conveyed the Philippines’ readiness to engage with Japan to counter economic coercion as well as enhance economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and promote effective use of critical minerals and other resources. To promote growth in the digital economy, he likewise conveyed the country’s willingness to work closely with Japan and other like-minded partners on the digital space. On this note, Secretary Manalo welcomed the announcement of Japan’s commitment to provide additional funds to support the Manila-based US-Philippines Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Academy. Japan’s assistance will contribute to the Philippines' plans to create a safe, secure and resilient digital space to support the growth of its digital economy.
Secretary Manalo and Minister Kamikawa also discussed the robust economic relations between the two countries. Secretary Manalo cited the need to review the provisions of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA). He expressed confidence in seeing greater participation of Japanese companies in various economic sectors, including renewable and nuclear energy, and infrastructure. In this regard, the Secretary highlighted the importance of Japan’s support for the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will support connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas including rail, port modernization, clean energy, agribusiness, and semiconductor supply chains, among others.
Secretary Manalo noted Japan’s role as a trusted friend and steadfast partner in providing development cooperation assistance.
On people-to-people relations, both sides noted the increasing number of visitors from both countries, gradual easing of visa regulations as well as proposed reskilling of Filipinos in various aspects of technology.
He also thanked Japan for supporting the Philippines’ bid to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for the term 2027-2028.
The two Foreign Ministers had candid discussions on regional and international issues including the situation in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine, Myanmar, and ASEAN, among others.
The visit was the first Official Visit of Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko to the Philippines. The visit reaffirmed the strengthened Strategic Partnership between the two countries built on 67 years of formal diplomatic relations. END
(photo courtesy to DFA-OPD Maria Vanessa Ubac)