The event, titled Safeguarding the Maritime Domain for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, was co-hosted by the Japan Institute of International Affairs and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies. Also present at the symposium was Eduardo Año of the National Security Council.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Endo emphasized that maintaining peace and stability in the region requires sustained collective effort.

“Peace and stability cannot be taken for granted. It must be actively and collectively sustained,” he said.

The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working closely with the Philippines and other like-minded partners to uphold a rules-based international order and deepen cooperation on maritime security.

The symposium brought together government officials, security experts, and policy stakeholders to exchange views on evolving maritime challenges and explore opportunities for stronger regional collaboration. Discussions highlighted the importance of collective action in ensuring maritime security and supporting long-term peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Participants underscored that strengthened partnerships and shared adherence to international rules and norms remain essential to advancing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.