Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Commandant Seguchi Yoshio and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan recently held their first in-person meeting, marking a significant step in bolstering maritime cooperation between the two nations amid growing regional security challenges.
In a statement following the meeting, JCG Commandant Seguchi emphasized the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation in advancing a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” a vision both Tokyo and Manila share in response to increasing tensions in regional waters. He described the face-to-face dialogue as a “valuable opportunity” for candid discussions, highlighting the depth of mutual commitment to maritime security and operational collaboration.
Both coast guard leaders concluded the meeting by reaffirming their strong intent to enhance coordination and deepen institutional ties, laying the groundwork for expanded joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.
The meeting signals not only strengthened operational partnership but also a shared resolve to uphold international maritime norms amid evolving regional security dynamics.
