Japan pledges support for Philippines' upper-middle-income status

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru expressed his country's readiness to support the Philippines in achieving upper-middle-income status through various cooperations including telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure during a bilateral meeting at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, April 29.

Ishiba highlighted Japan's unique strengths and its commitment to working with the Philippines on these areas as well as disaster risk reduction, emphasizing that Japan will cooperate in a package of corporations covering telecommunications, AZEC, energy, mineral resources, infrastructure, and disaster risk reduction.

The Prime Minister also discussed the potential for deeper agricultural cooperation given his background in agriculture, forestry, and industries, noting that both leaders agreed to further deepen their partnership on these areas.

During their meeting, Ishiba committed to boost economic partnerships with the Philippines, while President Marcos Jr. thanked Japan for being a 'reliable and steadfast partner' in the region.

The two countries also touched upon regional issues such as South China Sea disputes and US-China tariff wars, and will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties next year.