(Press Release)
February 10, 2023
Japan Ministry of Defense
On February 10, 2023, commencing from 1400 for approximately 40 minutes, Minister Hamada held a meeting with Senior Undersecretary/Officer in Charge (OIC), Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines, Hon. Mr. Carlito G. Galvez Jr.
- At the outset, Minister Hamada welcomed the signing of “Terms of Reference (TOR) between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines concerning the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the Republic of the Philippines.” Senior Undersecretary/OIC Galvez showed expectation toward further facilitation for cooperation between Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based on this TOR.
- They exchanged views on the regional security issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and North Korea. Minister Hamada stated that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is totally unacceptable as the invasion has shaken the foundation of the international order including Asia.
Also, Minister Hamada explained about the new “National Security Strategy”, the “National Defense Strategy” and “Defense Buildup Program”, and expressed his strong resolve, under the new strategies, to fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities, including counterstrike. Senior Undersecretary/OIC Galvez appreciated Defense Minister Hamada’s explanation on these documents and Japan’s transparency with the formulation of these documents, and welcomed Japan’s commitment to maintaining and developing a free and open rules-based international order. - They exchanged views on bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. They welcomed the deepening of bilateral cooperation in security and shared the view that Japan and the Philippines will continue considering ways to further enhance and facilitate cooperation such as exercises between JSDF and AFP. They also shared the view that they will promote trilateral defense cooperation between Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S.
They confirmed that the transfer process of radar systems signed in 2020 is steadily proceeding, and concurred to further promote defense equipment and technology cooperation.
They concurred to continue to further promote bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges.
Japan-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting ( PDF)