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 discussion on upholding a rules-based international order."

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

The discussions of the military officials focused on regional issues of common interest and more opportunities to expand their 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; Major General Nobutaka Minamikawa, Defense Plans and Policy Department, J5, Japan Self-Defense Force; Major General Jay Bargeron, Director for Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, J5, US Indo-Pacific Command; and Brigadier General Rommel Cordova, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, AJ5, AFP.

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

He added the meeting is an offshoot of the Japan-Philippines-Australi-US Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore last 3 June.

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

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

Meanwhile, a negotiation between Japan and the Philippines is 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 had been assisting the AFP's continuing capability development and modernization efforts.