Japan and the Philippines are set to begin formal negotiations to conclude an information security agreement that would allow the exchange of classified security data, marking another step forward for bilateral security cooperation.
Nikkei Asia reported on Friday that the two sides will “agree to launch formal negotiations” on a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visits Japan this week.
Marcos is set to begin his four-day state visit tomorrow, becoming the first Philippine president to visit Japan in more than a decade. He will meet with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on Thursday for talks that are widely expected to focus on security cooperation and shared concerns about China’s growing maritime clout.
As Nikkei reported, the GSOMIA would create a legal framework for the secure exchange of sensitive military intelligence, and would also facilitate closer cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, which has a similar agreement with Japan. Manila and Tokyo are also set to upgrade their current strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership and “affirm their cooperation in a range of fields including security,” the news outlet stated.
