Defense Minister Koizumi visited the Republic of the Philippines from May 5 to May 6. Below is the outline of the visit.
１ Visit to the Rizal monument
On May 5, Defense Minister Koizumi visited the Rizal monument and laid flowers, paying tribute to the national hero who played a pivotal role in the Philippine independence movement.
２ Courtesy call on President Marcos, Jr.
On May 5, Defense Minister Koizumi paid a courtesy call on Philippine President Marcos Jr. They welcomed the steady progress in bilateral cooperation in the defense field and agreed to further develop Japan-Philippines cooperation under the strategic partnership.
３ Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting
Defense Minister Koizumi and Defense Secretary Teodoro held a meeting and agreed to further enhance Japan-Philippines defense cooperation, including in the areas of policy, operations and defense equipment and technology.
４ Signing of the Statement by the Defense Ministers of Japan and the Philippines on the Further Promotion of Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation
On May 5, Defense Minister Koizumi and Defense Secretary Teodoro signed the Statement on Further Promotion of Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation and agreed to establish a working group to discuss the transfer of defense equipment, including Abukuma-class destroyers and TC‑90 aircraft.
５ Observation of Exercise Balikatan 26
On May 6, Defense Minister Koizumi, together with Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro, observed the first-ever live-fire exercise of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)’s Type 88 surface-to-ship missile (SSM) in Ilocos Norte, Laoag City, Philippines, conducted as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026.
