Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his Philippine counterpart agreed Thursday to enhance the two countries' strategic partnership, including boosting maritime cooperation amid their territorial disputes with China, while Tokyo announced it will also extend ¥54 billion in low-interest loans to Manila for infrastructure development.
"On the political and security front, we agreed on strengthening policy dialogue and enhancing maritime cooperation, among other measures," Kishida told a news conference after holding talks in Manila with Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.
"As the strategic environment is changing, as foreign ministers it is necessary for us to share a mutual recognition of the situation, enhance the bilateral strategic partnership and cooperate toward shaping a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific region," Kishida said.