President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional cooperation.

The two leaders held a telephone conversation ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in November, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

“During the phone call today, the two leaders also discussed 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,” the PCO said in a statement.

Marcos and Takaichi also exchanged views on artificial intelligence cooperation and regional developments.

They likewise discussed preparations for the upcoming ASEAN summits, which will bring together Southeast Asian leaders and dialogue partners to address key regional and international issues.

The two leaders also discussed the 4th Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, which the Philippines and Japan will co-chair in November.

AZEC is a Japan-led initiative that promotes clean energy, reduces carbon emissions, supports sustainable economic growth and strengthens energy security across the region.

During the AZEC Plus One Online Summit on April 15, 2026, which both leaders attended, Japan announced its USD10-billion Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia) initiative to strengthen energy security and resilience across the region.

Marcos and Takaichi last met bilaterally on May 28 during the President’s state visit to Japan, when the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. (PNA)