Takaichi strengthens cooperation with the Philippines, elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Takaichi strengthens cooperation with the Philippines, elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

[Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting and Dinner (Summary)] On May 28, commencing at 5:50 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, who is visiting Japan as a state guest, followed by Joint Press Announcement and a dinner. In addition,the two leaders issued a joint statement outlining future cooperation between the two countries as “Comprehensive Strategic Partners.” 1.    Opening Remarks Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed the state visit of President Marcos in this commemorative year marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, and stated the desire to further strengthen cooperation with the Philippines, one of the closest of like-minded countries for Japan. In response, President Marcos expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Japanese side and stated that bilateral relations had entered a new stage and that, taking this summit meeting as an opportunity, he would like to further strengthen the cooperative relationship. 2.    Bilateral Relations Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that, amid an increasingly severe international situation, it is extremely important that the two countries as neighbors across the sea, sharing fundamental values and principles, strengthen their cooperation in realizing an updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). In addition, the two leaders decided to elevate their bilateral relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the first of its kind for the Philippines, to show their determination to continue strengthening bilateral relations in a sustained and multilayered manner without being swayed by changes in the international environment. (1)    Security Cooperation Taking into account the progress in security and defense cooperation in recent years, the two leaders decided to commence negotiations on an agreement on the protection of classified military information in order to strengthen the foundation for further cooperation. In addition, President Marcos spoke positively of  Japan’s revision of the Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer System, and the two leaders decided to accelerate discussions between the defense authorities toward the transfer of defense equipment, including Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft. Furthermore, the two leaders confirmed that they would continue to advance cooperation through OSA (Official Security Assistance) and decided on the early convening of the next Japan-Philippines ‘2+2’ (Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting). (2)    Maritime Cooperation Prime Minister TAKAICHI expressed her intention to continue capacity-building activities for the Philippine Coast Guard including through the provision of patrol vessels and joint training from the standpoint of ensuring maritime safety and upholding the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region, to w