PH, Japan reaffirm strategic partnerships on maritime issues, trade and economy, infra

(INQUIRER.net stock image)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Japan have agreed to continue their partnership on various issues and interests, including maritime concerns.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo shared the development after he had a phone call with Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa on Tuesday.

“In a phone call with Japanese FM Hayashi Yoshimasa this morning, we both reaffirmed the strong and mutually-beneficial PH-Japan strategic partnership & committed to continuing our vibrant cooperation on maritime issues, trade & economy, infrastructure development & other areas,” he posted on social media site Twitter.

1/2 In a phone call with Japanese FM Hayashi Yoshimasa this morning, we both reaffirmed the strong and mutually-beneficial PH-Japan strategic partnership & committed to continue our vibrant cooperation on maritime issues, trade & economy, infrastructure development & other areas.

— Enrique A. Manalo 🇵🇭 (@SecManalo) July 12, 2022

“We agreed to further deepen coordination on defense and security and more closely collaborate on global and regional issues,” he added.

Last month, Japan offered strategic assistance to the Philippines to develop its own military-industrial complex.

The Philippines and the United States likewise had a dialogue early this week and agreed to pursue cooperation on building resilient supply chains and addressing the climate crisis.

gsg