During talks with Philippine Secretary ofNational Defence Delfin Lorenzana on April 17, Minister of Defence of JapanTakeshi Iwaya said the bilateral defence cooperation has been strengthened invarious fields, adding that Japan looks to support the Philippines in naturaldisaster relief work and improvement of the early warning system for theSoutheast Asian nation.
In reply, Lorenzana, who is paying a visitto Japan, voiced his hope that the two countries will further strengthen thestrategic partnership as Japan is about to have a new emperor.
At the talks, the two defence officialsagreed to continue the participation of the Japan Self-Defence Forces and thePhilippine military forces in joint exercises with the US armed forces in the EastSea.
Meanwhile, Japan will provide technicalsupport and defence equipment for the Philippines, as well as facilitate itsarmed forces to enhance capacity of naval, ground and air forces.
The two sides also affirmed that Japan's largest naval vessel JS Izumo will visit the Subic port of the Philippines thisJuly. -VNA