Manila: 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.

According to Qatar News Agency, 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 stated, "The Secretary and I also confirmed the importance of the Japan, Philippines, US trilateral cooperation in the face of an increasingly severe strategic environment."