PM Takaichi and President Marcos meet, elevate Japan-Philippines ties to 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'

Central News Agency, Tokyo, May 28. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a summit meeting today with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is visiting Japan. Both sides confirmed the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' and agreed to formally launch negotiations for a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to further deepen security cooperation. According to TBS, Takaichi stated at the beginning of the meeting that she was pleased to elevate bilateral relations to a new stage. The meeting began in Tokyo before 6 PM, focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security. Regarding defense cooperation, following the Japanese government's relaxation of defense equipment export rules in April, the two sides exchanged views on the potential export of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 'Abukuma-class' destroyers. This is expected to help enhance the Philippines' maritime defense capabilities. They also discussed energy supply stability amid rising tensions in the Middle East. A draft joint statement to be released after the meeting expresses serious concern over the situation in the East and South China Seas regarding China's recent assertive actions, emphasizing opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force. The statement also expresses concern over the impact of economic coercion on global supply chains.