Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines on November 3 and met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. According to NHK, Prime Minister Kishida said that Japan and the Philippines are both maritime nations and strategic partners who share fundamental principles and values.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila on November 3.
Noting the crises facing the international community, Prime Minister Kishida expressed hope for enhanced cooperation to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on rules. He said the two countries shared concerns over "unacceptable and unilateral changes to the status quo by force" in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
The two leaders confirmed that they will begin talks to finalize a Reciprocal Access Agreement, which will help work out the details needed for joint exercises and other activities by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military. Japan has similar agreements with the UK and Australia.
"We recognize the benefits of this agreement for our defense forces and military personnel, and for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region," Reuters quoted President Marcos Jr. as saying.
The leader said Japan has provided 600 million yen ($4 million) in assistance to help the Philippines step up efforts to secure coastal radars for maritime security purposes.
Prime Minister Kishida agreed with President Marcos Jr. to provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines under Japan's official security assistance framework.
The program, launched in April, aims to provide defense equipment to like-minded countries to enhance security cooperation. This is the first time Japan has used this framework.
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