PH, Japan mark 'near-alliance' status in high-level talks

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines and Japan reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership during a high-level bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, marking what both sides described as a "near-alliance" status in relations.

Their meeting followed that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in April. Both ministers highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation across security, economic, and regional concerns.

“Our partnership has evolved into a near-alliance status, and we would like to work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Iwaya said.

Manalo, recalling Iwaya’s visit to Manila in January, expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support.

“We look forward to further strengthening cooperation as partners who share common values and interests,” Manalo said, also noting the significance of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2026.

The two ministers discussed the expansion of defense and security cooperation. They welcomed the launch of negotiations for a Japan-Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement and ongoing talks toward a future Agreement on the Security of Information.

Both officials also expressed optimism over the progress of the Reciprocal Access Agreement and agreed to hold maritime consultations and a vice-ministerial strategic dialogue within the year.

Iwaya also expressed Japan’s commitment to enhancing Philippine security capabilities through Official Security Assistance programs.

Japan also expressed willingness to partner with the Philippines on infrastructure development through public-private partnerships, reinforcing Japan’s long standing role as one of the country’s’ top development partners.

Manalo welcomed continued collaboration, particularly in preparing for the next meeting of the Japan-Philippines High-Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation, to be hosted in Japan later this year.

In a separate courtesy call with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Manalo referred to the current bilateral relationship as a “golden age” in Philippine-Japan ties.

“We highlighted the ‘golden age’ of Philippines-Japan relations and reaffirmed our commitment to continued high-level cooperation as we look ahead to the 70th anniversary of the normalization of our diplomatic ties,” Manalo said.