TO STRENGTHEN maritime security and enhance anti-terrorism efforts, the Japanese government will turn over a fast craft and two aircrafts later this month, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.
“This is part of Japan’s assistance in beefing up maritime security and fight terrorism in the country,” Yasay said yesterday in a press conference at Marco Polo Davao Hotel.
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida was also in the press conference, which was held before the official’s courtesy meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang of the South in Panacan.
He said they intend to provide vessels through official development assistance (ODA) to help in strengthening maritime security especially in guarding the waters. The West Philippine Sea, for instance, has been in dispute with China while Japan and China were also fighting over East China Sea islets.
“We will continue to provide support on maritime security,” Kishida said.
The Japanese and Philippine governments are also pressing China to value the rule of law.
Last month, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal decided that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. In a statement, “the tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights with the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.”
“In the strongest manner, everyone must respect the rule of law over West Philippine and East China Sea,” Yasay said.
Apart from helping to enhance the maritime security of the Philippines, the Japanese government vowed to continue to support the new administration especially on economic development and strengthening of cultural ties.
The Japanese government also focused on setting up infrastructure projects and other programs through ODA for Mindanao.
“My visit here is very important to step forward on strengthening our relations,” Kishida said.
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