Manila, January 15 (QNA) - The Philippines and Japan signed two defence pacts on Thursday, including a deal allowing their forces to exchange supplies and services, with both countries seeking to strengthen security cooperation in response to rising regional tensions.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced a $6 million Official Security Assistance from Tokyo to fund the building of facilities to house rigid‑hulled inflatable boats donated by Japan to boost Manila's naval capabilities.

In a joint press conference with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines Theresa Lazaro, Motegi said "The Secretary and I also confirmed the importance of the Japan, Philippines, US trilateral cooperation in the face of an increasingly severe strategic environment." (QNA)