Top officials of the Philippine Coast Guard met with their counterparts in Japan to strengthen cooperation and interoperability in enforcing maritime laws.
In a statement, the PCG said its delegation was led by PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu during the meeting with Japan Coast Guard (JCG) led by JCG Commandant, Admiral Okushima Takahiro in Tokyo on May 24.
It said it was the first bilateral meeting between the PCG and JCG to reinforce their strong partnership and cooperation.
"The meeting focused on countering piracy, capacity building, Maritime Safety and Security (MSP) master's program, and maritime security operations.," the statement read.
Abu took the opportunity to express gratitude to the JCG for its support in boosting the capabilities of PCG personnel through training and other capacity-building initiatives.
The Japanese government has been very supportive of the PCG, especially amid the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG is now active in patrolling the West Philippine Sea.