Marcos, Ishiba to begin negotiations on ACSA defense forces exchange

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the joint press conference Tuesday in Malacañang. Photo by Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool

MANILA, Philippines — The top leaders of the Philippines and Japan have agreed to begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)—an accord that will allow their defense forces to exchange supplies and services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced this during their joint press conference at Malacañang on Tuesday.

Ishiba and his wife, Yoshiko Ishiba, are in Manila for a two-day official visit.

READ: Japanese PM arrives in Manila for two-day official visit

“Japan has been of great assistance in helping us achieve our aspiration for peace and friendship with all nations with strength and with integrity. Further, we have agreed to start negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA),” Marcos said.

Japan’s support

Marcos also expressed appreciation for Japan’s support in areas such as the economy, infrastructure, food security, climate change adaptation, digital transformation, and more.

“Our development cooperation has also played a significant role in the Mindanao Peace Process, which will uplift the lives of Filipinos and promote economic competitiveness in Mindanao,” he also said.

“On defense and security cooperation, it is of note that the Philippines is the first recipient of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA), and even as a new initiative, barely three years old, the OSA has allowed our security agencies, especially the Department of National Defense, to achieve meaningful upgrades,” Marcos added.

For his part, Ishiba affirmed that he and Marcos discussed various areas of cooperation.

READ: Marcos to host Japanese PM Ishiba in Malacañan Palace on April 29

These include the launch of government-to-government discussions on the potential conclusion of a security of information agreement, reaffirmation of trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, and Japan’s commitment to a comprehensive package of cooperation covering telecommunications, energy, mineral resources, and other sectors.

`Insight on agriculture’

“Now, President Marcos has very deep insight on agriculture. I myself served as Minister for Agriculture, Forestry Industries and Fisheries in the past. Therefore, for such a perspective, I was able to have a good exchange of views with His Excellency. So in the agriculture arena as well. I very much hope that we can further deepen our cooperation,” Ishiba said.

On regional and international developments, Ishiba said he and Marcos agreed to maintain open communication to oppose any attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas “by force or coercion,” and to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.

“On the status of the global economy, we discussed on the tariff measures taken by the United States as well as the impact felt on the multilateral free trade regime and the world economy because of the reciprocal retaliations seen with the United States and China,” he said.

“Many Japanese companies have been playing a role in the local economy here in the Philippines. i conveyed to President Marcos that I will listen carefully to the voices so that they will be able to bring forth better solutions,” Ishiba added.

Invitation to World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Meanwhile, in his opening statement, Ishiba invited Marcos to attend the World Expo 2025, which will be held in Osaka from April to October.

“The last time Osaka hosted the Expo was in the year of 1970, when you and I were both 14 years old, and we were very young at the time. And I was briefed that you had a chance to visit the Expo during the 1970 Osaka event,” he told Marcoc.

“And this year, the Filipino Pavilion is becoming a popular destination for visitors, so I also look forward to welcoming you to visit the Osaka Expo soon,” Ishiba also said.

Marcos congratulated Japan on the successful opening of the Expo and said, “We are excited and proud to be part of this Expo. The Philippine Pavilion focuses on nature, culture, and community to showcase the creation of a sustainable future.”