PH, Japan discuss regional concerns, ways to strengthen ties

The foreign ministers of the Philippines and Japan have discussed the developments in the region and measures to strengthen the ties between the two countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA said on Tuesday that the breakfast meeting between Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono touched on the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea and the Korean Peninsula, and the areas both countries can improve on through their partnership.

After sharing views on matters affecting the ASEAN region, both Cayetano and Minister Kono expressed their optimism that the issues of the two Koreas will be resolved after the recent summit between United States President Donald Trump and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the meeting was held before the 5th Meeting of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation.

Ambassador Jose Laurel IV said both officials noted the dynamic collaboration of the two countries in the areas of social security, infrastructure development, defense and security as well as in counter-terrorism.

Kono also thanked the Philippines for signing of a memorandum of cooperation, which will facilitate the collection of the remains of Japanese soldiers killed during the Second World War.

On the other hand, Cayetano offered help to the Japanese government after an earthquake struck the Kansai region over a week ago.

“At the onset of the meeting, Secretary Cayetano conveyed his sympathies to Foreign Minister Kono on the earthquake that hit Kansai region on 18 June and, assured the latter of the readiness of the Philippines to assist, same as Japan being consistently ready to help the Philippines during calamities,” Laurel said. /ee