DFA: PH appreciates Japan’s ‘firm support’ over West Philippine Sea

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief Enrique Manalo conveyed the Philippines’ gratitude to Japan “for its firm and unequivocal support” to the country’s position on the West Philippine Sea. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief Enrique Manalo conveyed the Philippines’ gratitude to Japan “for its firm and unequivocal support” to the country’s position on the West Philippine Sea.

Manalo met with his Japanese counterpart Kamikawa Yoko to discuss strategic partnership and other pressing matters including the West Philippine Sea “issue.” Their meeting took place on the sidelines of the historic trilateral summit between the Philippines, Japan, and the United States in Washington, D.C.

“The two Foreign Ministers discussed the Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership and noted that the bilateral relations are currently at the highest level. They also noted the deepened defense and security cooperation between the two countries through existing dialogue mechanisms in various areas,” DFA said in a statement Friday.

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“Both Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Kamikawa also discussed the issue of the West Philippines Sea, and thanked Japan for its firm and unequivocal support to the Philippine position on the West Philippine Sea, to maritime rights and jurisdiction, including freedom of navigation,” it added.

The DFA also said that Manalo and Kamikawa are “looking forward” to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Meeting, otherwise known as 2 plus 2, of the Philippines and Japan this year.

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The two top diplomats likewise talked about other regional and international concerns such as the war in Gaza and disarmament matters – the Fissile Missile Cut-Off Treaty, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, West Philippine Sea, and East China Sea, according to the DFA.

Manalo also affirmed during the meeting Japan’s status as “one of the Philippines’ most dependable partners,” the DFA added.