Japan, Philippines meet to strengthen ties and address security challenges

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the ASEAN Summit in Laos on October 10, pledging closer cooperation amid regional security challenges.

Marcos expressed satisfaction over the strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting progress in trilateral cooperation with the United States.

Both leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed last July, aiming for its early enforcement.

During their meeting, they also discussed collaboration on economic security and agricultural technology, reflecting shared interests in defense and security initiatives amid territorial disputes with China.

Ishiba emphasized Japan's commitment to a peaceful resolution of regional disputes according to international law during the East Asia Summit on October 11.