Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, to discuss the escalating conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. Iwaya emphasized the critical need for collaboration among nations with shared values to address these challenges effectively.
During the meeting, Iwaya highlighted the growing seriousness of international divisions and conflicts, underscoring the importance of cooperation between ‘like-minded’ countries. He specifically requested Marcos’s support in strengthening the security and broader cooperation between Japan and the Philippines to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Before meeting with Marcos, Iwaya had a bilateral discussion with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Taguig City. There, he expressed Japan’s deep concerns about the increasing tensions in the South China Sea and committed to bolstering Japan’s maritime security support to the Philippines in response to these developments.
This visit follows a virtual trilateral meeting involving Marcos, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, where they reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on maritime security, economic resilience, and technology among their nations.
President Marcos assured Iwaya of the Philippines’ dedication to continue working closely with Japan and the United States to maintain and build upon the progress made in their trilateral relationship. Marcos expressed hope for further discussions to showcase the achievements since the signing of the tripartite agreement, reiterating their commitment during the recent Zoom meeting with Biden and Ishiba.