Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya paid a courtesy call to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on May 22.
During the meeting, Ambassador ENDO said that he will continue in carrying out the responsibility of enhancing security and defense cooperation not only between Japan and the Philippines but also with like-minded countries like the U.S. and Australia amidst increasing uncertainty of the regional and global situation.
The envoy said he welcomed the demonstration of unity among like-minded countries through the MCA(Maritime Cooperative Activity) in April and Defense Ministerial Meeting between Japan, the Philippine, the United States and Australia in May.
Meanwhile, Secretary Teodoro welcomed Ambassador ENDO and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support to the Philippines through the Official Security Assistance (OSA). Both Ambassador and Secretary Teodoro concurred to continue close coordination to reach an early conclusion of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
Both sides discussed the situation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed to further enhance cooperation in maintaining and strengthening the maritime security and regional order based on the rule of law.