The Philippines and Japan have agreed to begin negotiations for a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday following a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in Tokyo.
The announcement came after the two leaders held talks at the Akasaka State House, followed by a signing ceremony and joint press conference.
Marcos said both sides formally launched negotiations on the security pact as well as discussions on the delimitation of maritime borders.
“We jointly announced the commencement of the negotiations for the General Security of Military Information Agreement, as well as for the delimitation of our maritime borders,” Marcos said.
He stressed that the initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening defense cooperation and reinforcing a rules-based maritime order, while also enhancing mutual trust between the two countries.
The Philippines previously signed a similar intelligence-sharing arrangement with the United States, allowing closer military coordination between Manila and Washington.
For her part, Takaichi said Japan will move forward with plans to transfer Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines, signaling deeper defense cooperation amid growing regional security concerns.
“We also concurred to accelerate the exchange between the defense authorities towards the transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and others,” she said, noting the increasingly severe regional strategic environment.
She added that Japan aims to further deepen security cooperation with the Philippines.
Prior to the bilateral meeting, Marcos addressed members of the Japanese parliament, where he underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation amid tensions in the South China Sea and support for a rules-based approach to maritime disputes.
Beyond defense, the two sides also signed multiple agreements expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, health, human resource development, space technology, artificial intelligence, energy security, and supply chain resilience.
Takaichi also confirmed the signing of a new tax convention, alongside memoranda of cooperation in several sectors.
Marcos said the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation would improve the investment climate by preventing income from being taxed in both countries and providing clearer rules for cross-border business activities.
“It will enhance the business environment and promote greater cross-border investment,” he said.
Takaichi also expressed support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, reflecting strengthened diplomatic alignment between the two allies.
Earlier in the day, Marcos met with Japanese business leaders during the third day of his state visit to Tokyo. He is set to return to the Philippines on Friday, May 29.
