THE Philippines and Japan have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the Luzon Strait and affirmed the importance of rules-based, free and open maritime order.

The two neighboring maritime nations discussed the vital sea lanes and the latest developments in their surrounding seas such as the East and South China Seas during the 5th Meeting of the Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue. Both sides, representing the two neighboring maritime nations, discussed the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the Luzon Strait maritime cooperation.