Japan, Philippines strengthen security ties

From left: Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi during a meeting in Tokyo, Japan April 9. reuters

According to AFP, the Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs Philippines together Japan On April 9, a “2+2” meeting was held to strengthen security ties between the two countries. This is the first 2+2 meeting between the two US allies. Both countries have sovereignty disputes with China.

“Our two countries share serious concerns about the situation in East Sea and the East China Sea. We agreed to ensure compliance with international law, including the 2016 arbitration award in the case between the Philippines and China, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa. Hayashi said.

“During the meeting, we affirmed our will to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in dealing with regional and global challenges and work towards ensuring Indian Ocean – Pacific free and open,” added Mr. Hayashi.

According to the Japanese foreign minister, areas of cooperation between the two countries include ensuring the safety of sea lanes in Southeast Asia, discussions towards expanding joint military exercises and exchanges, and many other fields. other area.

This is also what Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana mentioned in his speech. “We exchanged views on security issues in the region of mutual interest, especially freedom of navigation and overflight, and compliance with international law, including the ruling. 2016 of the arbitral tribunal,” said Mr. Lorenzana.

Besides the Philippines, Japan has formed a two plus two framework with eight other countries. These are USA, Australia, UK, France, Germany, India, Indonesia and Russia.