Manila, July 24 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro have affirmed close cooperation between the two nations. At their 30-minute talks held in Manila on Thursday, the two discussed both international and regional issues, including those related to the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have a territorial dispute. Motegi is visiting the Philippine capital to attend a foreign ministers meeting related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]