MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional cooperation, Malacanang said.
Marcos and Takaichi held a telephone conversation Tuesday ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits in November, the Palace said.
The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming summits, which will bring together Asean leaders and dialogue partners, to address key regional and international issues.
They also talked about the 4th Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, which the Philippines and Japan will head in November.
AZEC is a Japan-led initiative aimed at promoting clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth while strengthening energy security across the region.
During the AZEC Plus One Online Summit on April 15 attended by both leaders, Japan announced its $10-billion Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia) initiative to support energy security and resilience across the region.
They also tackled various areas of cooperation, such as on the Luzon Economic Corridor, defense and security, and Japan’s "long-standing support to peace consolidation efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao," Malacanang said in a statement.
The President and the Japanese leader likewise exchanged views on artificial intelligence cooperation and regional developments.
Marcos and Takaichi last held a bilateral meeting on May 28 during the former’s state visit to Japan, when the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
