PH, JPN engage in Vice Ministerial dialogue
TOKYO – The Philippines and Japan held its Fourth Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue on 14 June 2018 in Tokyo.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo led the Philippine delegation to the strategic dialogue, whose members also include Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V, and other DFA and Philippine Embassy in Tokyo officials. Meanwhile, the Japanese delegation was headed by Senior Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Takeo Mori.
Both sides discussed a wide range of issues aimed at further strengthening the two countries' bilateral relations. The Philippine side thanked Japan for its long history of assistance for Mindanao, and the latter indicated its interest to see further positive developments and stability in that region, including through the reconstruction of Marawi. The Philippines and Japan expressed their shared commitment to deepening the political and security cooperation of both sides through various initiatives.
Both sides also exchanged views on developments in the region and the wider Asia Pacific area, and Japan reaffirmed its support for Asean processes and Asean centrality, and discussed the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea issue. Affirming the positive momentum of developments in the Korean Peninsula, both the Philippines and Japan recognized the work that will be needed going forward, and the international cooperation necessary to carry out this work.
Strategic partners the Philippines and Japan continue to enjoy strong and dynamic relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on 23 July 1956, elevating the relations to a “Strengthened Strategic Partnership” in 2015. Japan is one of the Philippines’ top trading partners, and the number one source of Overseas Development Assistance.