Statement by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Signing Ceremony and Joint Press Conference with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae

Her Excellency Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae,

The esteemed members of the Japanese and Philippine delegations,

Friends from the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

Prime Minister Takaichi and I just concluded a very productive and forward-looking bilateral meeting covering the ever-expanding scope of Philippine-Japanese relationships.

As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries, I am pleased to announce that we have elevated our relationship from a strengthened Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This milestone reflects the strength, depth, and breadth of our ties as we respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities of our time.

Our discussions reaffirmed our commitment to further advance cooperation across key areas, including economic partnership, energy resilience, decarbonization, cooperation on defense and security, maritime matters, as well as emerging and future-oriented sectors.

We had meaningful exchanges on regional and global issues including challenges that are now emerging in the Indo-Pacific region and, of course, the developments in the Middle East and their impact on energy security.

We appreciate Japan’s expressions of support for the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN this year and for ASEAN’s unity and centrality.

Today, we also witnessed the signing of an important agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, which will enhance the business environment and promote greater cross-border investment.

The Philippines and Japanese governments have likewise forged new arrangements that will expand our cooperation in the agricultural and fisheries sector, improve equitable access to quality health services, and continue our long-standing partnership in our human resource development.

In addition, we will advance our cooperation in space development and application, artificial intelligence, energy security, and supply chain resilience.

Lastly, we jointly announced the commencement of the negotiations for the General Security of Military Information Agreement, as well as for the delimitation of our maritime borders. These are very important steps to further strengthen our defense cooperation and to uphold a rules-based maritime order. They will enhance the mutual trust between our two countries.

These substantive discussions with the Prime Minister have demonstrated the vigor with which the Philippines-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will proceed, built on a foundation of friendship and shared values for peace, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.

Yesterday, the First Lady and I had the honor of an Imperial Audience with Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, which reaffirmed the enduring friendship between our two countries and the goodwill between our peoples.

I also had the opportunity to engage with Japanese business leaders and investors, where we discussed expanding cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, and emerging industries.

Earlier today, I had the privilege of addressing the National Diet of Japan, where I conveyed our shared vision of “Weaving the Future Together” through peace, prosperity and possibilities.

Tomorrow, I will pay my farewell to you and a farewell to Their Majesties before departing for Manila.

I wish to thank Prime Minister Takaichi for her warm hospitality and for the productive discussions that reaffirmed the strength and bright future of the Philippines-Japan relations as we continue to strive to reach even greater heights.

Arigatou gozaimasu.

Thank you.

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