Secretary Manalo and Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya Hold Bilateral Talks, Discuss Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership

Photo credits to DFA-OPD Camille Barizo

MANILA 15 January 2025 – Upon the invitation of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, his Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi undertook an official visit to the Philippines from 14 to 15 January 2025.

Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Iwaya held a bilateral meeting covering a wide range of matters relating to  Philippines-Japan relations, including political, security, economic and development cooperation, among others. They acknowledged that Philippines-Japan ties have progressively developed to become among the closest partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to fully utilize existing mechanisms such as the Vice Ministerial Strategic Dialogue (VMSD) between their respective Ministries to coordinate further regarding shared priorities, concerns,  and challenges. Towards maintaining a secure and peaceful regional environment, they looked forward to strengthening defense cooperation through Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework and the prospective implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). They reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperate in infrastructure in the Philippines, as well as to the development of the Mindanao region. Further, they discussed exploring cooperation in the areas of promoting economic resilience and derisking, ICT and the diversification of the telecommunications industry.

The two Foreign Ministers likewise discussed regional and international issues, with a view to enhancing cooperation on addressing common challenges and advocating for a rules-based international order.

Secretary Manalo expressed optimism on the future direction of the two countries’ ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ as both sides remain steadfast in deepening and expanding engagements between the two countries.

“The Philippines’ relationship with Japan continues to be among the most resilient and dynamic partnerships in the region. Under the shared principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and a free and open economy, our relations continue to evolve,” the Secretary stated.

The diplomatic engagement marks the first official visit to the Philippines by Foreign Minister Iwaya, who assumed the post in October 2024. END