Japan, Philippines Agree to Become Comprehensive Partners

Tokyo, May 28 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a bilateral summit at a state guest house in Tokyo on Thursday and agreed to upgrade their countries' relationship to a comprehensive and strategic partnership.

Takaichi and Marcos confirmed their commitment to strengthening security and energy cooperation amid China's increasing military pressure in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, the United States' shift toward nationalism and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

Marcos is the first president of the Southeast Asian country to visit Japan as a state guest since Benigno Aquino III in 2015.

On this occasion, Japan hopes to strengthen its ties with the Philippines, which currently serves as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Also this year, the two countries mark 70 years since they normalized their diplomatic relations.

The two leaders are slated to issue a joint statement and hold a joint press conference after the meeting.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]