4th Philippines-Japan Vice Ministerial Strategic Dialogue
Philippine and Japanese delegates discuss issues of mutual interest at the 4th Vice Ministerial Strategic Dialogue held on 14 June 2018 in Tokyo (Photo by: Mr. Mahabsar B. Lucman)
18 June 2018 – The Philippines and Japan held the 4th Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue on 14 June 2018 in Tokyo.
Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo, Head of the Philippine Delegation, was welcomed by Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori, Head of the Japanese Delegation. Joining Undersecretary Manalo were Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V and other officials from the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.
Both sides discussed a wide range of issues aimed at further strengthening the two countries’ bilateral relations. The Philippine side thanked Japan for its long history of assistance for Mindanao, and the latter indicated its interest to see further positive developments and stability in that region, including through the reconstruction of Marawi. The Philippines and Japan expressed their shared commitment to deepening the political and security cooperation of both sides through various initiatives.
Both sides also exchanged views on developments in the region and the wider Asia Pacific area, and Japan reaffirmed its support for ASEAN processes and ASEAN centrality, and discussed the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea issue. Affirming the positive momentum of developments in the Korean Peninsula, both the Philippines and Japan recognized the work that will be needed going forward, and the international cooperation necessary to carry out this work.
Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo, Head of the Philippine Delegation (left), shakes hands with Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori, Head of the Japanese Delegation (right), at the conclusion of the 4th Philippines-Japan Vice Ministerial Strategic Dialogue held on 14 June 2018 in Tokyo (Photo by: Mr. Mahabsar B. Lucman)
The Philippines and Japan are strategic partners and continue to enjoy strong and dynamic relations since the establishment of their diplomatic relations on 23 July 1956. In 2015, Philippines-Japan strategic partnership was elevated to a “Strengthened Strategic Partnership”. Japan is one of the Philippines’ top trading partners and, the number one source of Overseas Development Assistance.
