DFA says Japan PM's visit symbol of strong ties; Marcos, Ishiba to discuss maritime security

President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru are scheduled to discuss regional maritime security during the Japanese leader's visit to the country next week, underscoring the strength of the two countries' ties as strategic partners, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

- RAYMUND ANTONIO

"Very important because Japan is our strategic partner and we have very close relations with Japan in so many areas so it is a symbol of the strength and growing cooperation between our two countries," Manalo said on the sidelines of the recent Maritime Security Forum held in Manila.

Some agreements, ranging from political to economic to cultural, are expected to be signed during the visit.

Discussions will also be held across a spectrum of issues, including trade and infrastructure.

But chief among the discussions to be held is the regional maritime security issues, with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya highlighting the need to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and the progress of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).

"Well, we have already ratified but we will hear from Japan on the state of the completion of their domestic processes," Manalo said.

Signed in July 2024, the RAA will allow Filipino soldiers to undergo combat training with their counterparts in Japan.