Kuala Lumpur, October 26 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 26, 2025 held separate bilateral meetings with leaders from the European Union (EU) and Japan on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to deepening partnerships with ASEAN’s dialogue partners.
During President Marcos’ meeting with President of the European Council António Costa, the EU leader expressed well wishes and full support for the Philippines’ upcoming Chairship of ASEAN in 2026.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of continued engagement and collaboration in trade and reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and strengthening on the international rules-based order.
Marcos also held his first bilateral meeting with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, personally extending his congratulations to the new head of state.
Both leaders looked forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.
Marcos highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two countries in the defense and security sector, particularly noting the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan in September 2025.
The two leaders also underscored the importance of the Philippines–United States-Japan Trilateral Cooperation as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development.
