The annual Taiwan-Japan maritime affairs cooperation meeting was held Dec. 27 in Tokyo, highlighting the commitment of both sides to strengthening ties and seeking opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual concern.
 
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials held in-depth discussions on topics spanning cross-border crime fighting, environmental protection and maritime safety. They also concluded two memorandums of understanding on tackling smuggling and conducting joint research on atmospheric science, ecology, environmental change, geology and geophysics.
 
The pacts were signed on behalf of their respective sides by Chiou I-jen, chairman of Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, and Mitsuo Ohashi, chairman of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. Under the accords, Taiwan and Japan will organize annual meetings to discuss related developments and share information whenever necessary.
 
In terms of fisheries cooperation, the MOFA said both parties agreed to continue negotiations on key issues such as the applicable maritime zone under the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement, law enforcement measures to tackle illegal operations and regulation of longline tuna-fishing vessels.
 
The third annual meeting was held in accordance with the Taiwan-Japan maritime affairs cooperation mechanism established in 2016. The next edition will take place in Taiwan, according to the ministry. (SFC-E)
 
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