President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday announced the elevation of Philippines-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), marking deeper cooperation between the two nations amid growing regional geopolitical and economic challenges.

“As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries, I am pleased to announce that we have elevated our relationship from a Strengthened Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Marcos said during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Takaichi following their Summit Meeting at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.

“This milestone reflects the strength, depth and breadth of our ties as we respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities of our time,” President Marcos added.

Marcos said his discussions with Takaichi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expand cooperation in key areas such as economic partnership, energy resilience, decarbonization, defense and security, maritime cooperation, artificial intelligence and emerging future-oriented industries.

For her part, Takaichi said the elevation of ties reflects the shared resolve of Manila and Tokyo to deepen relations amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“From that perspective, I concurred with President Marcos to position the bilateral relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the Japanese Prime Minister said.

“This demonstrates the determination of our two countries to strengthen multi-layered relations as like-minded countries sustainably going forward without being affected by changes in the international environment,” she added.

During their summit, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including challenges emerging in the Indo-Pacific and the impact of the Middle East situation on energy security.

Marcos advanced key Philippine priorities, including deeper security and defense cooperation, enhanced maritime collaboration, stronger economic security, expanded trade and investment, and greater partnership in infrastructure and development initiatives.

Both leaders also discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in official development assistance, higher education, environmental protection, and disaster resilience.

President Marcos also welcomed Japan’s continued support for the Mindanao peace process and broader development initiatives in the Philippines.

The Summit Meeting coincided with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. It highlighted decades of expanding cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries.

Upon the invitation of the Japanese Government, the President is undertaking a four-day State Visit to Japan, following earlier official and working visits in 2023 and 2025 that advanced the Philippines’ multifaceted cooperation with Japan. The State Visit of President Marcos is only the third State Visit received by Japan since the accession to the throne of its current Emperor in 2019. Presidential News Desk