Malacañang Palace
January 15, 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and members of his official delegation in a courtesy call at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

During their meeting, the Japanese Foreign Minister emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in security and global affairs, requesting continued support from the Philippines.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Foreign Minister Iwaya conveyed Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s regards and highlighted the shared values crucial to ensuring a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region amid global complexities.

President Marcos Jr. welcomed the Foreign Minister’s visit, noting its timing following his recent trilateral virtual meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba and outgoing United States President Joseph Biden Jr. He expressed hope for further discussions on the tripartite agreement and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening economic ties with Japan.

The Foreign Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss Philippine-Japan relations and regional developments.

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