Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan have formally upgraded their bilateral relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest tier of cooperation under the country’s bilateral framework, reflecting the unwavering trust between the two countries.
The status upgrade was announced during a bilateral meeting between Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the third day of the chief executive’s state visit to Japan.
This coincides with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and amidst evolving regional and global challenges.
Marcos also said that the two countries have agreed to begin formal negotiations on important agreements, including the sharing of classified military information under the General Security of Military Information Agreement to increase defense cooperation and interoperability in the security forces of the two countries.
Likewise, the push for negotiations on maritime borders, reflecting trust in asserting maritime jurisdiction and strengthening the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.
During Marcos’ meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishia, they discussed the deep cooperation between Manila and Tokyo, particularly in promoting energy resiliency and energy transition in the region.
The Philippines is targeting to enter into an agreement with Japan under the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience worth USD10 billion.
This support is part of Japan’s initiative to strengthen regional energy security throughout Asia.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News