In a 20-minute phone talk on Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide  told Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that he hopes the two countries can further develop their strategic partnership and work towards a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

He expressed his support for Duterte's efforts to spur economic growth through infrastructure projects. Both leaders affirmed cooperation on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines and Japan will mark 65 years of diplomatic ties next year.