Foreign ministers from Japan and the Philippines agreed to continue cooperation in maritime security through the trilateral framework of Japan, the Philippines and the US.

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, in Manila on Wednesday.

With China's increasing presence in maritime activities in mind, they agreed to continue Japan's Official Security Assistance program, or OSA. This aims to deepen security cooperation with like-minded countries by offering them equipment.

They also agreed to hold a vice-ministerial level strategic dialogue in Manila this year.

Later, in a news conference, they noted that their trilateral relationship with the US is making progress, and they will continue communication with the incoming US administration.

Iwaya is scheduled to attend US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.