PBBM, Japan PM Ishiba discuss security, economic ties

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Malacañang Palace to discuss peace, security, and economic cooperation, highlighting the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Discussions focused on national security cooperation and maritime law enforcement, including progress on the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement aimed at heightening defense cooperation.

Prime Minister Ishiba announced the beginning of bilateral negotiations on an acquisition and cross servicing agreement (ACSA) and a security of information agreement.

Both leaders expressed a shared vision for peace and a rules-based order, with Ishiba emphasizing opposition to attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas by force.

They also discussed the global economy, including US tariff measures and their impact on the multilateral free trade regime due to reciprocal retaliations between the United States and China.

Prior to the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument.