Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and JapanesePrime Minister Suga Yoshihide have agreed to cooperate closely in issuesrelated to the East Sea in the context of China continuing its military buildupin the waters despite the concerns of neighbouring countries.
In a 20-minute phone talks on December 14, Suga showed hishope to further develop the bilateral strategic partnership and work togetherto realise a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
He expressed his support for Duterte's efforts to spureconomic growth through infrastructure projects.
Both leaders affirmed cooperation on tackling the COVID-19pandemic./.