Manila: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro have agreed to strengthen security cooperation to address a challenging regional security environment, the Foreign Ministry announced. During their meeting in Manila, both officials emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration between their nations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Lazaro expressed the Philippines' desire to broaden cooperation with Japan across various areas. Motegi, in response, highlighted the increasing significance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region rooted in the rule of law, especially as regional security challenges grow. He emphasized Japan's intention to deepen its cooperation with the Philippines, acknowledging its crucial role in realizing this vision.
The two ministers expressed serious concerns over ongoing unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas. They agreed to maintain close coordination in response to these challenges and confirmed the importance of deepening Japan-US-Philippines cooperation. This cooperation will complement bilateral efforts and advance concrete collaboration in areas like maritime security, given the severe regional environment.
Motegi and Lazaro also signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which enables Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military to provide each other with supplies and services. The ministers welcomed the strengthening of their security foundation following the implementation of the bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement last year, facilitating joint training and operations.
Furthermore, the two countries concluded documents under Japan's official security assistance program to construct storage facilities and slipways for Philippine Navy patrol craft, marking another step in their collaborative security efforts.