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\nThe governments of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States convened a trilateral maritime dialogue in Tokyo on December 10 and discussed strategic perspectives on regional maritime issues as an outcome of the first-ever trilateral summit held last April 2024.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippine delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, joined by senior officials of the Department of National Defense, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
\u201cThe three sides had open and dynamic discussions on strategic perspectives on regional maritime issues, institutionalizing trilateral cooperation, and future policy plans, among others,\u201d said the DFA.
\u201cThey emphasized that the trilateral maritime dialogue will serve as a durable foundation for coordination and cooperation in addressing challenges and complexities of the regional maritime landscape,\u201d it added.
The DFA dubbed the dialogue as a \u201csignificant milestone\u201d in demonstrating the \u201cdeepening cooperation\u201d of the Philippines, Japan and the US on maritime concerns, as well as their enduring commitment to uphold a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific through the rules-based international order that adheres to international law, particularly United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
\u201cAt the conclusion of the dialogue, Undersecretary Lazaro announced the Philippines\u2019 willingness to host the Second Trilateral Maritime Dialogue in 2025,\u201d said the DFA.<\/p>\n