President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru agreed on Tuesday to begin formal negotiations on a defense logistics agreement, further strengthening the evolving security partnership between the Philippines and Japan.
During a joint press conference at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos underscored Japan’s vital role in supporting the Philippines’ aspirations for peace, regional stability, and cooperation built on mutual respect.
“We have agreed to commence negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA),” the President announced, referring to a bilateral framework that would allow the exchange of logistical support, supplies, and services between the two countries’ armed forces.
The proposed ACSA is expected to boost interoperability between the Philippine and Japanese militaries, particularly in joint military exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
Prime Minister Ishiba is in Manila for a two-day official visit, accompanied by his wife, Ishiba Yoshiko. The visit highlights the deepening diplomatic and defense ties between the two nations ahead of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.
President Marcos warmly welcomed the Japanese delegation, calling Japan a “crucial and steadfast partner” and noting its status as the Philippines’ second-largest economic partner and a leading source of investment, trade, and development assistance.
“We regard Japan’s development cooperation as the gold standard,” President Marcos said, citing Tokyo’s contributions to key Philippine priorities, including maritime domain awareness, climate resilience, infrastructure, agriculture, digital transformation, and energy security.
He also recognized Japan’s significant role in promoting peace in Mindanao and in advancing the Philippines’ defense modernization through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.
Looking ahead, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening economic ties with Japan through the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), signaling continued collaboration across strategic sectors.
