MANILA, April 29 -- The Philippines and Japan agreed to begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) that would allow the exchange of logistical support in a bid to deepen security and defense cooperation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and visiting Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru made the announcement Tuesday following a bilateral meeting in Malacanang.

Ishiba is in Manila for a two-day official visit.

"Japan has been of great assistance in helping us achieve our aspiration for peace and friendship with all nations with strength and with integrity. Further, we have agreed to start negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement," Marcos said in his press statement.

The Japanese Prime M...