00:00The Japanese government will strengthen their cooperation and maritime support in the Philippines
00:06amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
00:09The two countries also promised to work together to address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
00:16This is Claycel Pardilla of PTV in Balitang Pambansa.
00:21The Philippines and Japan strengthened the cooperation of the two countries
00:27in terms of security, freedom, and according to the Indo-Pacific agreement.
00:32The partnership between the two countries was strong
00:35after Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi visited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. yesterday.
00:43Japan promised continued support to the Philippines
00:47to increase the level of capability in ensuring security and safety in the Philippine waters
00:56in the face of China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, which is causing tensions in the region.
01:07I am gravely concerned that actions heightening tension in the South China Sea are repeated.
01:15Issue over South China Sea is a legitimate concern.
01:20We will continue to provide assistance to the Philippines in regards to the official security assistance
01:32for maritime security as well as official development assistance for the maritime safety capabilities improvement.
01:41Our strengthened strategic partnership with Japan plays a very important role
01:47in our efforts to enhance our national security but also regional peace and stability.
01:54And that's why it's in this context that we have made a number of important strides
02:00such as concluding the RAA.
02:02Manalo is referring to the Reciprocal Access Agreement,
02:06an agreement signed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
02:11that strengthens cooperation in defense and security of Japan and the Philippines.
02:17Before Iwaya's visit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made trilateral leaders' phone calls
02:24to Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden.
02:30President R. Marcos trusted that the partnership between the Philippines and Japan will be strengthened
02:36and that the relationship between the two countries will be strengthened
02:41not only in terms of security but also in terms of economic development and the use of resources.
02:48Reporting from PTV Manila, Kelai Zalpar Villa, Balitang Pabansa.
