Japan-Philippines Relations

Minister Kishida stated that the acts of terrorism that occurred in Paris on the evening of November 13 were an attack against the values that we share and are trying to protect, and that the international community must unite and resolutely condemn them.
Secretary del Rosario stated that he also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks and that addressing the issue of the financing of terrorism is important. Both countries agreed to cooperate closely with the international community and work on counter-terrorism measures.

Minister Kishida stated that this is his first visit to the Philippines in approximately three years. He welcomed holding aJapan-Philippines foreign ministers' meeting and also congratulated the Philippines on hosting the APEC Meeting. In addition, he remarked that  he would like to cooperate with Secretary del Rosario for further strengthening the  bilateral strategic partnership, based on the outcome of President Aquino's visit to Japan last June .
Secretary del Rosario commented that currently their bilateral relations are best ever and that he also would like to continue to cooperate with Minister Kishida to strengthen their strategic partnership. He also mentioned Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress's visit to the Philippines which is scheduled early next year and stated that he would like to cooperate with Japan for making the visit a success.

(1) APEC

Minister Kishida thanked the Philippines for their leadership as the APEC host economy and welcomed the progress being made in discussions toward the sustainable growth and prosperity of the APEC region. The Minister also commented that Japan has contributed to the initiatives of APEC in areas such as regional economic integration, including the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), strengthening the global value chain, and connectivity, and that Japan will continue to cooperate with the APEC Meeting in order for the Meeting to successfully obtain concrete results.
Secretary del Rosario expressed appreciation for Japan's support, and both countries agreed thatthey should continue to promote cooperation.

(2) South China Sea

Minister Kishida stated that Japan continues to support the peaceful resolution of conflicts based on international law and has been paying close attention to the developments in the Philippines-China arbitration proceedings that have shifted to a new stage.
Both sides affirmed that they will continue to closely communicate with each other, including information sharing.

(3) Resolution to eliminate nuclear weapons and North Korea

Minister Kishida thanked the Philippines for co-sponsoring and supporting the resolution submitted by Japan for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, and also stated he hopes to continue to cooperate through the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, NPDI and other initiatives toward realizing a world without nuclear weapons. Secretary del Rosario responded that the Philippines supports Japan's efforts.
Minister Kishida commented that Japan will continue to seek from North Korea self-restraint from provocative actions and compliance with Security Council resolutions, and that it intends to work toward the early resolution of the abductions issue, which is the most pressing issue for Japan. Secretary del Rosario replied that the Philippines supports Japan's position on a resolution on the human rights situation in North Korea.

(4) Security Council Reform and the issue of climate change

Minister Kishida commented that he would like to work closely with the Philippines on Security Council Reform, and Secretary del Rosario remarked that the reform is necessary, and that the Philippines supports Japan's efforts and will cooperate with Japan.
Both sides also exchanged opinions on the issue of climate change toward COP21 and agreed to continue to cooperate closely.