PH, Japan coast guards eye stronger capacity, maritime partnership

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to boosting capacity building programs for their maritime partnership.

In a statement, the PCG said its Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and JCG Commandant Admiral Seguchi Yoshio held a meeting at Port Area, Manila on Tuesday.

Gavan recognized Wednesday Japan's efforts to further strengthen the Philippines maritime safety, maritime security, and maritime law enforcement operations towards a rules-based order.

"We vow to continue working with the JCG as we strive to attain peaceful and lasting resolutions to problems and conflicts that persist in the region," Gavan said.

Seguchi, meanwhile, reiterated Japan's assurance to promote maritime relations between Manila and Tokyo.

After the meeting, the JCG delegation toured BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the PCG's largest vessels and designed after Japan's Kunigami-class vessels.

They observed a demonstration of arresting techniques that PCG personnel learned from JCG's Mobile Cooperation Team (MCT).

The activities coincided with the first bilateral visit to the Philippines of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru from April 29 to 30. On Tuesday, Ishiba paid a courtesy call on his counterpart, Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Shigeru and Marcos reflected on the significance of the bilateral talks between the Philippines and Japan centered on strengthening defense and security cooperation, enhancing economic partnerships, and continuing efforts to support development initiatives. — VDV, GMA Integrated News