Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. met with Endo Kazuya, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, during the latter's farewell call, and discussed the ongoing defense collaboration between the Philippines and Japan.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of the Philippines-Japan ties this year, Teodoro expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Ambassador on his contributions in the defense sector during his stint as Ambassador, particularly the recent implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, the conclusion of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, the negotiation of a Security Information Agreement, and ongoing equipment and technology cooperation through Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA).

Earlier this year, both officials were at the Handover Ceremony for five coastal radars under the OSA FY 2023 on February 11.

They also discussed exploring efforts for greater convergence between the Philippines and Japan and with like-minded countries under a shared commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Notably, both the Philippines and Japan are working closely as co-chairs of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Maritime Security in the 2024-2027 cycle.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) is also a regular participant in the Maritime Cooperative Activities (MCAs) within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since 2024.

As a symbol of enduring friendship and gratitude, Teodoro conferred the Outstanding Achievement Medal on Endo in recognition of his remarkable contributions and dedicated service in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan.