Japan, Philippines to hold 'two-plus-two' security talks in February
(VOVWORLD) - Japan and the Philippines plan to hold their first ministerial security talks online later this month, hoping to bolster cooperation in regional security, especially on maritime issues.
Japan's Kyodo News reported that the Philippines will be the ninth country globally and the second Southeast Asian country with which Japan has held so-called two-plus-two talks, which involve foreign and defense ministers.
Japan will be represented by Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and the Philippines by Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The ministers are expected to reach a consensus on a free and open Indo-Pacific region and the importance of settling maritime disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.