JAPAN WANTS STRONGER COOPERATION WITH PH PARTICULARLY ON SECURITY, GLOBAL AFFAIRS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.on Wednesday welcomed Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at the Malacañan Palace.

During the courtesy call, Iwaya called for strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, particularly in security and global affairs.

“I would like to ask for Your Excellency’s continued support in strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Philippines on security issues and other global affairs,” Iwaya told President Marcos.

Japan’s Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received and conveyed the best regards of Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to the Philippine government.

Iwaya highlighted that Japan shares core values and principles with the Philippines, particularly at a time when there are divisions and complexities in the international community.

He emphasized that enhancing cooperation between the two nations is critical for promoting a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

President Marcos welcomed Iwaya’s visit, which came shortly after his recent trilateral phone conversation with Prime Minister Ishiba and US President Joe Biden on Monday.

“I think that it is good that we continue these discussions and also I hope that we would be able to have a chance for the Philippines to explain and to show what has been done in terms of agreement since the signing of the tripartite agreement,” the President said.

The President also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening economic ties with Japan to foster mutual prosperity.

Foreign Minister Iwaya is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to further discuss Philippine-Japan relations and the trilateral partnership involving the Philippines, Japan and the US.

They are also expected to address regional developments.