NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Strengthening Ties: Marcos And Japan's PM Ishiba Reaffirm Growing PH-Japan Partnership At Malacanang
Photo credit: PCO
It was a day of strengthened alliances and shared visions as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru stood side by side at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace on April 29, 2025, to deliver their joint leaders’ statement. The event marked a significant highlight in the Prime Minister’s two-day official visit to the Philippines, focused on expanding cooperation between the two nations.
Their statement touched on a wide range of shared priorities — from boosting economic development and political dialogue to enhancing defense and security partnerships. But beyond the big-ticket items, there was also an emphasis on the softer, yet equally important, people-to-people exchanges that have long been a foundation of PH-Japan relations.
This wasn’t their first meeting. The two leaders had already connected during the ASEAN Summits in Vientiane back in October 2024. That early engagement paved the way for the productive conversations taking place now in Manila.
Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit is seen as a reaffirmation of Japan’s continued commitment to support the Philippines in various areas — from infrastructure and technology to maritime cooperation and regional peace and stability. For the Marcos administration, it’s also a key moment to reinforce longstanding friendships while looking ahead to new opportunities for collaboration.
As both countries navigate an increasingly complex regional landscape, today’s joint statement is more than just a ceremonial moment — it’s a signal of deeper trust, stronger cooperation, and a shared resolve to move forward together.
Their statement touched on a wide range of shared priorities — from boosting economic development and political dialogue to enhancing defense and security partnerships. But beyond the big-ticket items, there was also an emphasis on the softer, yet equally important, people-to-people exchanges that have long been a foundation of PH-Japan relations.
This wasn’t their first meeting. The two leaders had already connected during the ASEAN Summits in Vientiane back in October 2024. That early engagement paved the way for the productive conversations taking place now in Manila.
Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit is seen as a reaffirmation of Japan’s continued commitment to support the Philippines in various areas — from infrastructure and technology to maritime cooperation and regional peace and stability. For the Marcos administration, it’s also a key moment to reinforce longstanding friendships while looking ahead to new opportunities for collaboration.
As both countries navigate an increasingly complex regional landscape, today’s joint statement is more than just a ceremonial moment — it’s a signal of deeper trust, stronger cooperation, and a shared resolve to move forward together.
Apr 29, 2025
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