Japan–Philippines Summit Meeting

On February 9, 2023, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, who was on an Official Visit to Japan. The following is an overview of the meetings.

Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Marcos on his maiden visit to Japan as President. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan attaches its importance on cooperation with the Philippines as a neighboring maritime nation, in order to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law, amid severe and complex international situations. In response, President Marcos expressed his gratitude for hospitality that Japan accorded on his visit, and expressed his strong hope to work with Prime Minister Kishida to further develop the Japan–Philippines relations.

Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan’s contribution of ODA and private sector investment of JPY 600 billion by March 2024 to assist the economic development plan of the Philippines, including the “Build Better More” program of the Marcos administration. In response, President Marcos expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Japan’s financial contribution.

The two leaders concurred to implement ODA projects as well as explore possibilities of public-private partnership (PPP) in infrastructure development such as railways, bridges and roads, among others, through the High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation. Against that backdrop, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the signing of the Exchange of Notes concerning the provision of a Japanese loan, worth JPY 377 billion, for the development of the North–South Community Railway and its extension, and stated that Japan is ready to extend another Post-Disaster Stand-by Loan, amounting to JPY 30 billion.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Memoranda of Cooperation on agriculture as well as on information & communications technology (ICT). Prime Minister Kishida expressed his intention to advance concrete cooperation in the fields of maritime safety, such as development of a support base in Subic Bay, as well as in energy, health, and industrial development. In response, President Marcos expressed his appreciation for the wide range of Japan’s cooperation and conveyed his support to the “Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)” concept.

Prime Minister Kishida explained the “National Security Strategy” and other documents, and President Marcos welcomed Japan’s commitment to a free and open rules-based international order. The two leaders concurred to materialize the security and defense cooperation through bilateral consultations including the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (“2+2”).

The two leaders welcomed the signing of the terms of reference (TOR) concerning the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in the Philippines, and concurred to continue to consider ways including additional frameworks to enhance and facilitate joint exercises and others between the two countries. The two leaders concurred to advance consideration to promote cooperation in defense equipment and technology as well as trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and the Philippines. The two leaders also shared the view to further advance cooperation in economic security and cyber security, among others.

Prime Minister Kishida also expressed Japan’s intention to continue strengthening its support toward the institution of an autonomous government in Bangsamoro in ways commensurate to the peace process, and to extend cooperation in the Sulu–Celebes Seas and their surrounding areas. President Marcos expressed his deep appreciation to Japan’s continued support to the Mindanao peace process, which has led to peace and contributed to the development of the region.

Prime Minister Kishida announced visa exemption mainly for Philippine government officials. President Marcos welcomed Japan’s announcement and expressed his hope to build upon this momentum to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

As for the widespread robbery and fraud cases in Japan, Prime Minister Kishida touched on the fact that necessary cooperation has been conducted between the relevant authorities of the two countries, and he asked for continued collaboration between the authorities.

Note: This article was created with the consent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and on the basis of materials published by the Ministry.