Manila, January 15 (AseanAll)  — On January 15, 2026 , Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu, on the occasion of Minister Motegi’s official visit to the Philippines.

During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed key developments in Philippines–Japan relations and discussed the improving cooperation in security, economic, and development areas, as well as other priority areas of mutual interest. They reaffirmed the mutual commitment to enhancing the “Strengthened Strategic Partnership” between the two countries.

Lazaro and Motegi also exchanged views on regional and international matters, including this year’s ASEAN Chairship of the Philippines and other developments in the region. They expressed commitment to the Trilateral Cooperation framework among the Philippines, Japan and the United States. Secretary Lazaro stated that the Philippines remains ready to host the next Trilateral Maritime Dialogue.

They reiterated the Philippines and Japan’s shared commitment to upholding a rules-based order governed by international law, as well as the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and through dialogue. Both sides also emphasized that the rule of law should apply in the maritime domain, especially the South China Sea, where the freedom of navigation and overflight needs to be upheld and not diminished.  

The meeting was followed by the signing of bilateral agreements, namely the Agreement Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, otherwise known as the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA), and the Exchange of Notes for Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) for FY 2025, and the Grant Aid for the Establishment of Wireless Broadband Connectivity for BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi).

The visit took place as the Philippines and Japan commemorate this year the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations.