The Philippines participated for the first time in the 3rd Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD), held from 22 to 24 February in Tokyo, the Department of National Defense said Saturday.

DND Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro led the Philippine delegation.

The JPIDD serves as a platform for defense and security leaders from Japan and Pacific Island countries to strengthen collaboration in addressing shared regional challenges.

Expanded engagement

During the dialogue, the Philippine delegation held bilateral meetings with their counterparts from Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.

“These engagements explored avenues for expanded bilateral defense cooperation, reviewed capacity-building initiatives, and strengthened collaboration on mutual security concerns,” the DND said.

The Philippines’ inaugural participation coincided with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. It marked a new phase of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

It also marked a step in broadening Manila’s defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.