Joint AFP talks with U.S., Japan, Australia wrap up

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has engaged with its military counterparts in the United States, Japan, and Australia in a first-ever Special Service Staff Talks to further "deepen discussions on upholding a rules-based international order."

AFP Public Affairs chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a press statement, said high-ranking military officials from the four countries wrapped up their engagement from 28 November to 1 December in Tokyo, Japan.

The discussions focused on regional issues of common interest and more opportunities to expand cooperation for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific region.

The talks were led by Air Vice Marshal Michael Kitcher, Deputy Chief Joint Operations, Australian Defense Forces; Maj. Gen. Nobutaka Minamikawa, Defense Plans and Policy Department, J5, Japan Self-Defense Force; Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, Director for Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, J5, US Indo-Pacific Command; and Brig. Gen. Rommel Cordova, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, AJ5, AFP.

Trinidad said the attendees reaffirmed a shared vision for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" and a collective effort to ensure the vision continues thriving.

He said the meeting was an offshoot of the Japan-Philippines-Australia-US Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore on 3 June.

Also, the meeting was held just days after the Philippines concluded a back-to-back Maritime Cooperative Activity with the US and Australia in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, including the West Philippine Sea.

The country has an existing Visiting Forces Agreement with the US and Australia.

Meanwhile, negotiations between Japan and the Philippines are ongoing regarding the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement—a Status of Forces Agreement that will pave the way for more enhanced training and exercises between the two countries.

The Japan Defense Forces has been assisting the AFP's continuing capability development and modernization efforts.