OSAKA, JAPAN – The 16th meeting of the Japan-Philippines High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation convened September 11 in Osaka, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization in 2026.
The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Mori Masafumi, Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister, and Philippine officials Hon. Ralph Recto, Secretary of Finance, and Hon. Alsenio Balisacan, Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development.
Key Outcomes:
Both sides welcomed substantial progress in economic cooperation across infrastructure development, disaster risk management, information and communications, agriculture, and energy—building on concrete achievements from the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting in April 2025.
Special Advisor Mori emphasized Japan’s commitment to steadily advancing specific infrastructure and disaster risk management projects through the Joint Committee, including mobilizing private sector funding as the Philippines approaches the diplomatic milestone.
The committee confirmed that Japan’s support for Philippine socio-economic development continues progressing in disaster prevention, railway and road infrastructure, and the Mindanao peace process. Both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in railway and road operation and maintenance, information and communications, and energy transition to support the Philippines’ transition to upper middle-income status.
Prior to the committee meeting, Special Advisor Mori accompanied Philippine economic cabinet ministers, including Secretaries Recto and Balisacan, on a visit to the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Both sides committed to maintaining close inter-ministerial communication and steadily advancing cooperative projects to promote Philippine socio-economic development.
