Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi sign bilateral agreements ahead of their joint press conference in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Jan. 15, 2026. Eloisa Lopez/Reuters
Japan and the Philippines, on Jan. 15, signed a pact that allows their forces to exchange supplies and services to aid joint exercises and training, in an effort to increase defense cooperation.
The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement was signed in Manila by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa “Tess” Lazaro.
