Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting

On April 29, from 5 p.m. local time (6 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 85 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting the Philippines, held a Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting with H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. The overview of the meeting is as follows (small group meeting: for approximately 25 minutes from 5 p.m., plenary meeting: for approximately 60 minutes from 5:25 p.m.). The meeting was preceded by a welcome ceremony.

1. Introduction
   • President Marcos welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit to the Philippines and stated that the relations between the two countries, which see increasing cooperation, are now in a golden age. Prime Minister Ishiba responded by expressing his pleasure at visiting the Philippines for the first time in 25 years and his gratitude for the warm hospitality.
   • Furthermore, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that both Japan and the Philippines are allies of the United States, sharing fundamental values such as the rule of law, and expressed his desire to continue to work together to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. In response, President Marcos responded that he would like to promote cooperation in a wide range of areas to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
   • Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his condolences regarding the incident that occurred on April 26 local time in Vancouver, Canada, during an event for the Filipino community, and President Marcos expressed his gratitude.

2. Bilateral Relations
   • Security
     • The two leaders welcomed the progress made towards the implementation of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and concurred to commence negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) to reinforce operational collaboration. Moreover, the two leaders confirmed the importance of early conclusion of an Agreement on the Security of Information promptly and agreed to facilitate discussions among governments.
     • In addition, the two leaders confirmed that, from the perspective of strengthening deterrence for regional stability, they will continue to promote multilayered cooperation in the areas of Official Security Assistance (OSA) and defense equipment and technology, as well as deepening cooperation in the area of maritime safety through base development, capacity improvement support, and joint training between Japan, the Philippines and the U.S.
   • Economy
     Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his desire to utilize Japan’s experience and strengths to strongly support President Marcos’ goal of the Philippines becoming an upper middle-income status. In response, President Marcos conveyed his appreciation for the support provided by Japan and emphasized the significance of further deepening cooperation in the economic area with Japan amid the current international situation. The two leaders discussed and confirmed future cooperation, particularly in the following areas:
     • In information and telecommunication technology area, the two leaders concurred to strengthen public-private partnerships to increase the resilience of the Philippine economy, considering that Japanese companies are participating in the submarine cable project supported by JBIC and the construction of a 5G telecommunications network through the open RAN demonstration test.
     • In resources and energy area, the two leaders affirmed the importance of public-private collaboration to expand LNG facilities in the Philippines. In addition, the two leaders confirmed that both countries will advance cooperation through the “Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC)” and collaborate on establishing a resilient energy supply chain. The two leaders also shared the recognition that a stable business environment is crucial for promoting business, including mineral resource projects such as nickel, in the Philippines.
     • In disaster management area, Prime Minister Ishiba recalled that Japan and the Philippines have many natural disasters and stated that Japan would support the development of flood control and early warning systems in the Philippines by drawing on its experience and knowledge. The two leaders concurred to strengthen cooperation in the area of disaster management.

4. Furthermore, the two leaders confirmed that they will work closely together in agricultural products and that they will cooperate with the public and private sectors on infrastructure development in the Philippines.

3. Regional and International Situations
   • Global Economy

The two leaders discussed a wide range of economic issues, taking into account the impact of the U.S. tariff measures and China’s retaliatory actions on the global economy and the multilateral trading system. Prime Minister ISHIBA pointed out that the current situation also directly affects Japanese companies operating in Southeast Asia and contributing to local economies. He stated that he would also like to listen intently to the voices of Southeast Asian countries.

• The Situation in East China Sea and South China Sea

The two leaders discussed the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea and confirmed their opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

• Japan-Philippines-U.S. Cooperation 

The two leaders agreed to continue communication in order to enhance cooperation to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, with the U.S. engagement, also through deepening Japan-Philippines-U.S. cooperation.

• Others 

The two leaders concurred to maintain close communication on other international issues as well.

4. Osaka-Kansai Expo 

Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his hope that many people from the Philippines would visit Japan for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which opened on April 13. President Marcos expressed his wishes for the success of the Expo.