In a high-level working lunch, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Manalo reinforced strategic cooperation between their nations, signaling growing political alignment and economic interdependence amid regional tensions.
Held in Tokyo as part of Manalo’s official visit to Japan, the bilateral meeting focused on deepening security ties, including progress on key defense agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the launch of negotiations for an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The ministers also confirmed plans for further strategic dialogues and maritime consultations within 2025, underlining shared concerns over Indo-Pacific security, including tensions in the South China Sea.
Economically, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to joint infrastructure development in the Philippines, emphasizing public-private partnerships and stable investment conditions—particularly in strategic sectors like mineral resources. Preparations for the next High-Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation, to be held in Japan later this year, are underway.
The ministers also touched on regional and global issues, from North Korea and Ukraine to trade and climate efforts under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). Coordination with the U.S. and other allies was highlighted as essential to maintaining a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
With the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties approaching in 2026, both ministers framed the meeting as part of a growing “near-alliance” between two maritime partners that share democratic values and strategic interests.
