Philippines, Japan to hold talks on maritime cooperation

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the Philippines will hold a dialogue on maritime cooperation with Japan on Friday.

The DFA said that the 2nd Dialogue on Maritime and Oceanic Affairs will be held at its main office in Pasay City.

"During the meeting, the two countries will discuss various areas of cooperation particularly in maritime safety, maritime security, anti-piracy measures, fisheries and marine scientific research," the DFA said.

The Philippine delegation will be headed by DFA Assistant Secretary Gilberto Asuque. Special Assistant Henry Bensurto, DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Policy, will act as co-chairman.

The Japanese delegation, meanwhile, will be headed by Kenji Kanasugi, Deputy Director-General for Southwest and Southeast Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both countries are locked in territorial disputes with China.

The Philippines and China are in dispute over the ownership of the Panatag Shoal near Zambales province and parts of the Spratly Group of Islands near Palawan province.

Japan, meanwhile, is in dispute with China over the ownership of Senkaku Island, which is called by the Chinese as Diaoyu.

The Philippine and Japan held the first dialogue on maritime cooperation in 2011 in Tokyo.