Japan-Philippines Relations
Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 6, 2017
On August 6, commencing at 11:30 p.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, in Manila, Philippines where Minister Kono was visiting to attend ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 Bilateral relations
Minister Kono stated that he was pleased to meet with Secretary Cayetano, expressed his respect for the leadership demonstrated by the Philippines as the chair of the ASEAN, and noted that Japan would closely cooperate toward the success of ASEAN. Both ministers agreed to coordinate closely to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Furthermore, in order to support the Philippines' efforts to bring the situation in Mindanao under control, Minister Kono noted that Japan will swiftly work to provide compact speed boats and security-related equipments which the two sides have already agreed upon as part of Japan's security and counter-terrorism assistance, and that Japan will consider the provision of further assistance. In addition, with regard to the public-private support of about one trillion yen over the next five years announced by Prime Minister Abe during his visit to the Philippines in January 2017, Minister Kono expressed his hope for the steady implementation of assistance, such as the development of infrastructure including metro and other railway projects, measures against illegal drugs, and support for Mindanao.
In reponse, Secretary Cayetano expressed gratitude for Japan's assistance so far and expectations toward Japan's one trillion yen aid package to the Philippines over the next five years.
Furthermore, in order to support the Philippines' efforts to bring the situation in Mindanao under control, Minister Kono noted that Japan will swiftly work to provide compact speed boats and security-related equipments which the two sides have already agreed upon as part of Japan's security and counter-terrorism assistance, and that Japan will consider the provision of further assistance. In addition, with regard to the public-private support of about one trillion yen over the next five years announced by Prime Minister Abe during his visit to the Philippines in January 2017, Minister Kono expressed his hope for the steady implementation of assistance, such as the development of infrastructure including metro and other railway projects, measures against illegal drugs, and support for Mindanao.
In reponse, Secretary Cayetano expressed gratitude for Japan's assistance so far and expectations toward Japan's one trillion yen aid package to the Philippines over the next five years.
2 Regional issues
Both ministers exchanged opinions on regional issues, including North Korea and the South China Sea, and shared the views that they will work closely together.