TOKYO: In a bid to fortify regional cooperation and uphold a rules-based international order, Japan’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Iwaya Takeshi, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with the Philippines. This pledge was made during a telephone conversation with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Iwaya expressed his intention to promote Japan-Philippines cooperation and broader multilateral collaboration, including partnerships with the United States, to sustain and reinforce a free and open international order grounded in the rule of law. Japan has consistently advocated for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and has supported the 2016 Arbitral Ruling regarding the South China Sea.
A statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry indicated that during their discussion, the two officials shared perspectives on regional and international matters and agreed to continue close cooperation concerning the situations in the
East and South China Seas. The ministers acknowledged the significant advancements in their countries’ cooperation across a spectrum of domains, notably in security, economic relations, and cultural exchanges.
Looking ahead, Manalo and Iwaya expressed their intent to further deepen collaboration as the two nations approach the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2026.