Noy’s Japan visit to enhance maritime cooperation – Palace

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino’s scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Tuesday next week is expected to enhance Philippine maritime cooperation with Japan.

Speaking to reporters, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said the two leaders may discuss the dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea when they talk about regional developments.

“This meeting is an opportunity for them to discuss issues and exchange ideas, exchange views and update each other on what’s going on,” he said.

“We cannot rule in or rule out anything that the two leaders will be discussing. We can see so much developments happening in the South China Sea, East China Sea. So I’m sure they will be sharing views and exchanging views on this issue.”

Jose said among the issues expected to be discussed in the bilateral meeting are views on regional developments and areas of cooperation to enhance our strategic partnership” as diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan have run for almost 50 years.

“These areas of cooperation include humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime cooperation, promotion of trade and investments, people-to-people exchanges and the Mindanao peace process,” he said.

“With regard to the South China Sea, it is very important for the President to brief the Japanese side on the arbitration case that we filed against China. I’m sure the President will be updating the Prime Minister on the status of our case.”

Aquino will also speak on Tuesday at the Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao Conference in Hiroshima organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The Mindanao peace process, as well as the promotion of trade and investments, will be part of  Aquino’s agenda when he visits Japan.

Aquino and Abe will deliver their press statements also on that day.

Japan also has a territorial dispute with China over the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. The Philippines is trying to prevent China from claiming the entire South China Sea, which it calls the West Philippine Sea.

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian called on other claimant-countries to join the Philippines and bring their cases to an international court. – Delon Porcalla, Paolo Romero, Helen Flores