MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Philippine-Japan relations during a telephone conversation on Tuesday, October 20, ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in November.
The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming regional meetings, where ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners are expected to tackle major political, economic, and security issues.
Marcos and Takaichi also reviewed preparations for the fourth Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, which the Philippines and Japan are scheduled to co-chair in November.
AZEC, a Japan-led initiative, seeks to accelerate clean energy development, reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable economic growth, and strengthen regional energy security.
During the AZEC Plus Online Summit on April 15, 2026, Japan announced its USD 10-billion Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia) initiative to support energy security and resilience across the region.
The telephone conversation followed the leaders’ bilateral meeting on May 28 during Marcos’ state visit to Japan, when the two countries elevated their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation under the Luzon Economic Corridor, an initiative aimed at promoting infrastructure development, investment, and economic connectivity in the Philippines.
Defense and security cooperation formed part of the discussions, alongside Japan’s continued support for peacebuilding and development efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Marcos and Takaichi also exchanged views on artificial intelligence cooperation and recent regional developments.
The conversation highlighted the Philippines’ and Japan’s continuing efforts to expand cooperation in economic development, clean energy, security, and emerging technologies ahead of the November ASEAN meetings.
