Press Releases
Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
April 20, 2021
On April 20, commencing at 5 p.m., Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk, for approximately 25 minutes, with Hon. Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. The overview is as follows.
- The two ministers held an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in Myanmar. Minister Motegi stated that ASEAN plays an essential role in the situation in Myanmar and expressed strong support for the efforts to overcome the situation, such as the holding of an ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting. The two ministers then shared the view that the continued bloodshed of the people of Myanmar must be stopped immediately. Minister Motegi conveyed his expectations for the active role of the Philippines. In response, Minister Locsin explained the policy of the Philippines for the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting. The two ministers shared the view that they would continue to work closely towards the cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained and a swift return to democratic political system.
- The two ministers shared their serious concerns about unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas. Minister Motegi then explained the situation, including intrusion by Chinese Coast Guard vessels into Japan’s territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands. The two ministers shared the view that the two countries would cooperate closely on maintaining a rules-based free and open maritime order.