Japanese defense minister pays courtesy call on Marcos

Japan’s Defense Minister Nakatani Gen pays a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, February 24, 2025 in Malacañan Palace in Manila. (PHOTO BY YUMMIE DINGDING / PPA POOL)

MANILA, Philippines —  Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen on Monday paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

During their meeting in Malacañan Palace, Marcos expressed hope for continuously strengthening the relationship between Japan and the Philippines.

“Japan and the Philippines have worked closely for so many decades. I’m sure we can find much common ground to build further,” he said.

For his part, Nakatani thanked Marcos for meeting him despite his busy schedule.

“Japan-Philippines has been making great developments in the area of defense cooperation and security cooperation by the leadership and partnership between Your Excellency and Prime Minister Ishiba,” he said.

On Sunday, Nakatani visited Wallace Air Station in La Union, where mobile and fixed Japanese-built long-range air surveillance radar systems were set in place.

He also toured the air defense simulation and wargaming center, as well as the command and control center.