Kuala lumpur: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have reached an agreement to enhance cooperation, particularly in the security sector, during their recent meeting. The leaders’ discussion comes against the backdrop of the Philippines’ territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, the two leaders convened for approximately 20 minutes on the sidelines of a series of summits connected to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Their meeting underscores a mutual commitment to deepening ties as both nations face regional security challenges.

The forthcoming 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines in the next year was also a point of discussion. During the meeting, Marcos extended an invitation to Takaichi, who assumed office just last Tuesday, to visit the Philippines in 2026. “We discussed our respective issues of concern frankly,” Takaichi conveyed to reporters following their dialogue, highlighting the open and constructive nature of their conversation.