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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 | 12:00am
Japan Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 27, 2025.
PNA / Photo courtesy of Japan MOFA
MANILA, Philippines — Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is scheduled to visit Manila this week for high-level meetings with Philippine officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
The two officials are expected to discuss various issues of mutual concern, including the South China Sea (SCS) and West Philippine Sea.
In an announcement on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the bilateral meeting is scheduled on Jan. 15.
“During the meeting, the two foreign ministers are expected to review key developments in the Philippines-Japan ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ and discuss regional and international matters,” DFA said, adding these include the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year and the situation in the SCS.
“The official visit will take place as the Philippines and Japan mark this year the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations,” the announcement read.
Japan and the Philippines have been strengthening their bilateral relations with joint naval exercises and other combined training activities along with other partner nations.
Boosting defense cooperation, the two countries signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement that allows the militaries of both countries more opportunities to train together and enhance interoperability.
