PH, US, Japan, Australia hold first joint staff talks

The Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia held their first Joint Service Staff Talks in Tokyo from November 28 to December 1.

The meeting aimed to further deepen discussions on upholding a rules-based international order and explore avenues for expanded cooperation on regional issues of common interest.

The four nations reaffirmed a shared vision for a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' and a collective effort to ensure its continued thriving.

Key delegates included AVM Mike Kitcher from the Australian Defense Forces, MGen Nobutaka Minamikawa from Japan Self-Defence Forces, Major General Jay Bargeron from US Indo-Pacific Command, and BGen Rommel Cordova from the AFP.

The delegates also paid a courtesy call to General Yoshida Yoshihide, Chief of Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Force.