By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi (Photo courtesy of Japan Foreign Ministry)

MANILA – Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi is visiting the Philippines next week to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to its “strengthened strategic partnership” with the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

Iwaya’s official visit is from Jan. 14 to 15, and a bilateral meeting will be convened with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

The DFA said the two top diplomats would discuss political, defense, security, economic and development cooperation, as well as other areas of mutual concern.

The two will also exchange views on regional and international developments.

“Amidst an increasingly complex security environment, they are expected to reaffirm the mutual commitment to further enhancing the ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries and to seize new opportunities for cooperation,” the DFA said.

The Philippines and Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in July 2024, which the DFA sees as a firmly contributing factor toward maintaining a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific. Once fully enforced, experts see the RAA as a good starting point for enhanced Philippines-Japan engagement in security.

The visit comes as the two nations prepare for the 70th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations in 2026. (PNA)