According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Japanese and Philippine officials discussed latest developments in their surrounding seassuch as the East Sea (South China Sea) and the East China Sea, as well as ways to strengthencooperation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the surrounding areas.
The two sides affirmed the importance of rules-based,free and open maritime order.
Both sides confirmed progress on the bilateralcooperation, such as their coordination and exchange programmes between thedefence agencies as well as between the coast guard authorities and theirprojects to enhance maritime capabilities enhancement.
Furthermore, both sides discussed Maritime DomainAwareness (MDA) employing advanced technologies, their combat against illegal,unreported, unlawful (IUU) fishing, and efforts to reduce marine plasticlitter. Both sides shared the determination to continue reinforcing theircooperation in a concrete matter.
Both sides concurred on their commitment to continuingclose coordination in the maritime-related fields toward the promotion of a“Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” and the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific(AOIP)” that share many relevant fundamental principles.
The Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue was formalizedin light of the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement of June 2009.
The first meeting of the Japan-Philippines MaritimeDialogue was held in Tokyo on September 9, 2011, followed by the second inManila on February 22, 2013, and the third in Tokyo on June 11, 2019./.