The foreign ministers of Japan and the Philippines have confirmed that officials from the two countries and the United States will discuss maritime security cooperation during the first Japan-US-Philippines Maritime Consultations. The meeting will be held in Tokyo next month.

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi held his first conference with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, in Fiuggi, Italy, on Tuesday. Iwaya was visiting Fiuggi to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations.

Iwaya noted that Japan and the Philippines share fundamental values and principles.

The two ministers confirmed that the countries will work closely together "to address regional and international challenges including the South China Sea issue and for the peaceful settlement of disputes."

The ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the South China Sea and cooperation in the area of security. They affirmed that their countries have made concrete progress in security cooperation.