Philippines, Japan say use of nuclear weapons ‘unacceptable’

The Philippines and Japan have expressed belief that the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.

According to a joint statement of Japan and the Philippines issued by the Embassy of Japan, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the position during a Summit-level Working Dinner on Thursday evening in relation to the hostilities happening in other countries.

In this event, the two leaders deplored in the strongest terms the aggression made by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine.

"In this context, the two leaders stressed that the use or threat of nuclear weapons is unacceptable," the joint statement indicated.

"The two leaders also strongly opposed any attempt to jeopardize the foundation of the international order which does not accept any change of the internationally recognized borders by force or coercion affecting Europe and any part of the world," it added.

Both leaders further condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles "including the unprecedented number of ballistic missiles [launched] last year."

They also reiterated the commitment "to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges of North Korea."

Reports last year said North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles which triggered an alert to residents in parts of central and northern Japan to seek shelter.

Moreover, Marcos and Kishida denounced the abductions of Japanese citizens allegedly made by North Korea over the years as they also urged Pyongyang to immediately resolve the abductions issue.

The two leaders reaffirmed their intention to work closely for the nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation with a view to maintaining and strengthening the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Marcos is in Japan for an official visit that aims to strengthen ties between Manila and Tokyo. He will be back in the country on Sunday, February 12. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News