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Japan, Philippines Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

TOKYO – Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed his commitment to advancing Japan-Philippines relations during a phone call with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Iwaya emphasized his intention to promote both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including Japan-U.S.-Philippines partnerships, to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law, MOFA said.

Manalo congratulated Iwaya on his recent appointment as foreign minister under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The two ministers welcomed the significant progress in Japan-Philippines relations, particularly in areas such as security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges. They noted that mutual visits by their leaders last year and the “2+2” Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting in July had further strengthened cooperation.

The ministers also pledged to deepen collaboration ahead of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines in 2026.

They discussed regional and international issues, agreeing to continue close coordination on matters concerning the East and South China Seas, MOFA added. - Florenda Corpuz