Japan-Philippines Relations
Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers' Meeting
July 23, 2026
On July 23, commencing at 6:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. Japan time), for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings, held a Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Hon. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.
- At the outset, Secretary Lazaro expressed her gratitude for Minister MOTEGI's attendance in the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings chaired by the Philippines and stated that she was pleased to hold the meeting on the very day marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- In response, Minister MOTEGI expressed his respect for Secretary Lazaro's chairmanship at the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings and stated that Japan intends to strengthen the bilateral relationship under the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in a sustained and multilayered manner, referring to the importance of realizing an updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)."
- They also exchanged views on future cooperation between Japan and ASEAN as well as regional and international affairs such as issues concerning the South China Sea, and confirmed that they would continue coordinating closely.
- Furthermore, they welcomed the exchange of diplomatic notes, conducted earlier the same day, for the entry into force of 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 confirmed that they would work together to ensure peace and stability in the region, drawing on Japan’s assistance through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Official Security Assistance (OSA).
- In addition, they exchanged views on the promotion of cooperation in the economic field and other matters.