Philippine and Japan security advisers held a phone conversation days before the visit of Defense Minister Nakatani Gen in the Philippines this month.

In a phone conversation on Monday afternoon, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano and National Security Adviser Okano Masataka of Japan "discussed areas of cooperation to address destabilizing actions in the West Philippine Sea."

"They reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and international law in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as the importance of upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, and international rules-based order," the National Security Council said on Monday.

"The two NSAs confirmed Japan-Philippines security cooperation and concurred to continue to work closely with each other," it stated.

The two security officials "also agreed to continue and promote the trilateral framework of cooperation with the United States under the new administration of President (Donald) Trump."

Ano also offered his congratulations to Okano on his assumption of office last month.

Nakatani's visit in the country this month will be the second meeting between Philippine and Japanese security officials. Robina Asido/DMS