Japan and the Philippines are preparing to co-host a November energy summit, as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi cited Middle East instability as a reason to strengthen economic and energy resilience.
During an Oct. 20 call with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Takaichi discussed cooperation on the fourth Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The discussion followed a May 28 agreement by the two governments to host the meeting jointly in the Philippines.
The May joint statement cited the Philippines’ role as 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in setting out the hosting plan. Japan describes AZEC as an effort to pursue energy security and economic growth alongside decarbonization.
Takaichi also sought cooperation ahead of November’s ASEAN-related summit meetings, the ministry said. Marcos thanked Japan for its efforts and said the Philippines wanted to work with Japan toward those meetings.
The two governments are due to hold the fourth AZEC Leaders’ Meeting in November.
