Press Releases
Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Working Lunch
February 10, 2023
On February 10, commencing at 12 p.m., for about 60 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a working lunch with Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, who is accompanying H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, on his Official Visit to Japan. The overview of the Working Lunch is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed Secretary Manalo’s visit to Japan and stated that he would like to discuss the way forward on bilateral cooperation based on the Summit Meeting and the Joint Statement on February 9. In response, Secretary Manalo welcomed the outcomes of the visit of President Marcos to Japan and expressed his intention to further strengthen the relations with Japan, one of the Philippines’ Strategic Partners.
- In terms of security cooperation, the two ministers welcomed the signing of Terms of Reference (TOR) for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) activities as a concrete achievement toward enhancement and facilitation of exercises between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The two ministers also concurred to cooperate in enhancing a free and open international order based on the rule of law including through defense equipment transfer program.
- On economic cooperation, Minister Hayashi reiterated that Japan will implement the 600-billion-yen support in public and private finances for the Philippines’ attainment of Upper Middle Income status. Minister Hayashi also stated that Japan is ready to provide another Post-Disaster Standby Loan and financial assistance for the rehabilitation of MRT-3. Furthermore, toward the enhancement of capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard, Minister Hayashi conveyed Japan’s intention to accelerate project formulation, including the development of a base in Subic Bay. In response, Secretary Manalo expressed deep appreciation for the series of assistance from Japan. Furthermore, the two ministers exchanged views on future cooperation in such fields as agriculture, digitalization, energy security, healthcare, tourism, and economic security.
- Regarding regional and international affairs, the two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the East and South China Seas, the situation in Ukraine, response to North Korea including nuclear and missiles as well as the abductions issue, the situation in Myanmar, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and efforts to strengthen the United Nations including the Security Council reform. The two ministers affirmed the need for close coordination.
- As for the widespread robbery and fraud cases in Japan, Minister Hayashi touched on the fact that necessary cooperation has been conducted between the relevant authorities of the two countries, and he asked for continued collaboration between the authorities.
- Secretary Manalo extended an invitation for Minister Hayashi to visit the Philippines at an early date.