Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his counterpart in Japan, Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga, have both committed to enhancing the defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and expanding trilateral cooperation with the United States during a meeting in Tokyo.
“Our relationship is at an all-time high with the recent signing not just of the trilateral agreement, but of our relationship, of our strategic partnership,” Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives, said during his meeting with Nukaga.
“We thank the Japan government and the people of Japan for all the support and the assistance through the ODA and now through our official security agreement,” he added.
Nukaga acknowledged the close relations and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, saying he is “very glad” that the two countries have “very good bilateral relations.”
He said that Japan and the Philippines share the same values, and it is important to collaborate on so many areas like defense and security.
Nukaga also stated that he was the head of the Japan Defense Agency twice, so he truly understands the “importance of collaboration between countries” that share the same values and democracy.
He explained that, for him, the “rule of law” should be the basis of security and protecting and upholding democracy, as well as securing the international order.
Romualdez met with Nukaga at the Tokyo parliamentary building before noon Tuesday to discuss issues beneficial to the Philippines and the Filipino people.
These include fair access to the Philippine agricultural products, support for infrastructure projects under the Official Development Assistance (ODA), protection of overseas Filipino workers, Japanese investments, and security partnerships.
They also discussed in their meeting the trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, Japan, and the U.S., citing its crucial role in maintaining regional security and stability.
Romualdez said in a press release from his office that the Philippines recognizes that trilateral cooperation plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional security and stability, particularly in ensuring a rules-based order in the region.
The trilateral relationship is seen as essential in addressing various security challenges and promoting a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Nukaga also hailed the trilateral agreement, saying it is “very important to promote cooperation among the three countries” for the security, safety, and stability of the region. ||
