Japan-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Video Teleconference

On October 23, 2020, Minister KISHI held a video teleconference with Secretary of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines, Hon. Mr. Delfin N. Lorenzana.

1. Secretary Lorenzana congratulated Minister Kishi on his appointment as Minister of Defense. Minister Kishi expressed his appreciation.
2. Minister Kishi and Secretary Lorenzana exchanged views on the regional security issues, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea in light of the current events occurring in the region. They shared that they oppose any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by coercion or any activities that escalate tensions, and reaffirmed the importance of a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law.
3. They also exchanged views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges. Minister Kishi welcomed the recent conclusion of a contract for radar systems. He also expressed his intention to promote defense cooperation with the Philippines in the context of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including sharing expertise and lessons learned during disaster relief operations, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. In this context, Minister Kishi and Secretary Lorenzana also concurred in proactively promoting defense cooperation and exchanges to uphold and reinforce the Free and Open Indo-Pacific,while maintaining close communication between respective defense authorities.
5. Secretary Lorenzana proposed to invite Minister Kishi to the Philippines in the near future and Minister Kishi responded that he would like to realize such a visit at an appropriate timing, noting the current circumstances.