President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. welcomed Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi to Malacañang on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of the Philippines’ trilateral agreement with Japan and the United States.
The agreement aims to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties among the three nations.
“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,” President Marcos said.
He was referring to ongoing collaborative efforts on diplomatic and economic fronts following his recent virtual meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and outgoing US President Joe Biden.
Minister Takeshi conveyed Prime Minister Ishiba’s regards and underscored the value of the Philippines as a strategic partner sharing Japan’s commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“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,” the foreign minister told President Marcos.
The Japanese diplomat also sought continued Philippine support on security and global affairs while inviting participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo, where the Philippine National Day will be celebrated on June 7.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the face of increasing regional and global challenges.