Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Thursday participated in a symposium titled “Exploring Maritime Cooperation: The Role of International Partnerships on Maritime Security,” organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines in collaboration with the Stratbase ADR Institute.

Organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Stratbase ADR Institute, this event marked the second installment of the “Blue Talks” series, focusing on enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The symposium brought together a diverse group of participants, including ambassadors from the European Union, the United States, Indonesia, and Vietnam, as well as representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Maritime Industry Authority, and the port industry. Discussions centered on the critical role of partnerships in addressing maritime security challenges and fostering sustainable practices in marine protection.

During his address, Ambassador Endo said, “The world’s oceans are interconnected, and comprehensive international cooperation and partnership are necessary to address maritime security issues in each sea area. We are committed to working with ASEAN countries and other concerned countries to maintain and strengthen the maritime order based on the rule of law.”

The event featured the presentation of a joint policy brief titled The Case for Enhanced France-Philippines Maritime Cooperation, co-authored by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) and the Stratbase ADR Institute. The study underscored the shared identity of France and the Philippines as “blue nations” — maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific region. It emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between the two countries, building on their shared values and common goals.