(VOVWORLD) - The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the Philippines on Saturday voiced “serious concern” about the situation in the Indo-Pacific at the first 2+2 security talks in Tokyo.
Sources from the Japanese government said that after the talks, they will hold a press conference to announce a joint statement on strengthening bilateral security cooperation. The Ministers will commit to enhance economic security cooperation and reinforce the supply chain to ensure stable supply of essential goods.
In November, 2021, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Philippine’s President Rodrigo Duterte agreed to hold security dialogues in the form of "2+2".
On April 8, the Japanese Prime Minister received Philippine ministers in Tokyo and expressed his hope that the two sides will continue to work together to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines is the second ASEAN country to hold a 2+2 dialogue with Japan, after Indonesia.