Japan-Philippines Relations
Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 8, 2014
On November 8 (Saturday), commencing at 4:00 p.m. (local time) for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Japan-Philippines foreign ministers' meeting with H.E. Mr. Albert F. del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, where he was visiting to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting. An overview of the meeting is as follows:
1. Bilateral relations
(1) Minister Kishida renewed his sympathy to Secreatrydel Rosario regarding the damages caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Philippine name: Yolanda) that hit the central Philippines exactly one year ago. In response, Secretary del Rosario expressed his gratitude for the assistance from Japan.
(2) Minister Kishida stated that the Government of Japan intends to continue its coordination with the Philippines as a strategic partner sharing the importance of the "rule of law," and Secretary del Rosario responded that the Philippines addresses the issue surrounding the South China Sea in a way attaching importance to the "rule of law" through the arbitral proceedings. Minister Kishida and Secretary del Rosario agreed upon the importance of the "rule of law."
(3) Minister Kishida stated that the Government of Japan will continue and enhance its assistance for the Mindanao Peace Process, and Secretary del Rosario expressed his gratitude for the assistance from Japan.
2. Issues of regional/international society
Minister Kishida gave an explanation on Japan-China relations including the fact that the Japan-China foreign ministers' meeting had been held just before his meeting with Secretary del Rosario. In response to this, Secretary del Rosario welcomed Japan and China's moves to make their relations better.