VIENTIANE — Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation, highlighting security and economic ties during a sideline meeting at the ASEAN Summit in Laos on October 10. The leaders are looking to bolster relations in response to complex regional security challenges.
According to Philippines News Agency, Prime Minister Ishiba, on his first overseas trip since taking office, emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration with the Philippines amidst the shifting dynamics of regional security. A readout from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that President Marcos expressed a keen interest in advancing Japan-US-Philippines cooperation and strengthening the bilateral relationship between his country and Japan.
The discussion also moved towards formalizing the Reciprocal Access Agreement, signed in July, which aims to solidify defense ties and facilitate the presence of military forces in each other’s territories. Both leaders confirmed their commitment to expedite the agreement’s implementation, reflecting their shared priorities in security.
Beyond security, the dialogue covered economic security and agricultural technology, signaling a broad scope of cooperation. Prime Minister Ishiba, during his participation at the 19th East Asia Summit on October 11, reiterated his stance against unilateral actions that could disrupt regional stability, explicitly mentioning concerns in the East and South China Seas. He advocated for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, underscoring the importance of legal frameworks in regional diplomacy.