Japan-Philippines Relations
Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Brunch
January 15, 2026
On January 15, commencing at 9:15 a.m. local time (10:15 a.m. Japan time), for approximately 120 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, held a Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Brunch with Hon. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. The overview of the Meeting and Working Brunch is as follows:
1. Introduction
- Minister Lazaro welcomed Minister MOTEGI’s visit to the Philippines and stated that the Philippines wishes to further strengthen the cooperation with Japan this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- Minister MOTEGI responded by expressing his pleasure at visiting the Philippines at the beginning of this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines as well as is a year when the Philippines bears the important responsibility as the ASEAN Chair. He also expressed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relations even further. In addition, he stated that the importance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the rule of law has increased amid the strategic environment becoming severer in the region and Japan wishes to deepen cooperation with the Philippines, which is crucial for the realization of a FOIP, in facing various issues in the international community.
2. Bilateral Relations
- Security and Maritime Cooperation
(i) The two Ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines ("Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement", or ACSA) and welcomed that the foundation of the bilateral security cooperation has been strengthened following the entry into force of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) last year.
(ii) The two Ministers also signed and exchanged notes for Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2025 project, the first infrastructure project under Japan’s OSA program, which constructs boathouses and slipways for rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) for Philippine Navy. They welcomed that the coastal radar systems to be provided through the first OSA project for the Philippines had arrived in the Philippines on January 14, noting that it reinforces the foundation of the bilateral security cooperation.
(iii) Moreover, Minister MOTEGI, mentioning the provision of Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) through Official Development Assistance (ODA), expressed the intention to continue contributing to the reinforcement of the Philippines’ capabilities in the maritime security area. - Economy and Other Cooperation
(i) The two Ministers confirmed that the two countries will continue working together to enhance the connectivity in the capital area, including through the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, as well as in flood control and disaster management.
(ii) Minister MOTEGI pointed out the urgency to diversify supply chains amid the heightening concern over export control of critical minerals. The two Ministers then confirmed the necessity to deepen cooperation in the field of economic security.
(iii) Regarding the Mindanao peace process, Minister MOTEGI stated Japan’s intention to continue supporting the stability and development in Mindanao. The two Ministers then welcomed the signing and exchanging of notes concerning the grant assistance to provide wireless communication equipment for the development support of Mindanao during this visit.
(iv) In addition, the two Ministers confirmed continued cooperation in the civil nuclear energy field and under the platform of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).
(v) Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI expressed gratitude for the Philippines’ participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan last year and requested cooperation for the GREEN×EXPO 2027, which will be held in Yokohama next year.
3. Regional and International Situations
- Minister MOTEGI stated that the stability of ASEAN is crucial to the prosperity of the entire region and Japan is fully committed to supporting the Philippines’ efforts as this year’s ASEAN Chair, so that ASEAN is able to exercise its unity and centrality.
- Minister MOTEGI explained Japan’s view on the current situation in the Indo-Pacific. The two Ministers then shared serious concerns over the continuation and the intensification of the unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China sea and the South China sea and concurred to continue closely working together.
- Moreover, in the face of the current severe international situations, the two Ministers confirmed the strategic importance of deepening Japan-US-Philippines trilateral cooperation and the US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, in addition to the bilateral efforts, and concurred on promoting concrete cooperation including in the area of maritime security.
- The two Ministers also discussed the situations in Venezuela and the Middle East including Iran and their policies toward to North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issues. They confirmed their intention to continue collaborating on these matters as well.