MANILA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines Coast Guard(PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust in certain maritime issues, according to a joint statement released on Friday in Manila.

The PCG and CCG held the first meeting on Thursday and Friday in Manila, discussing the establishment of the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC) as the initial cooperation platform for both sides.

The statement said the JCGC, once established, will serve as a venue for both Coast Guards to strengthen mutual trust, deepen confidence, intensify communications and exchange, enhance friendly cooperation based on equality, reciprocity, and consensus.

Both sides had a friendly exchange of views on the establishment of the JCGC, including the principles of the organizational structure, terms of references, and operational procedures, the statement said.

The two sides also explored possible programs of maritime cooperation, including combating drug trafficking and other maritime crimes, marine environmental protection, maritime search and rescue, and capacity-building in related areas.

During the meeting, the two sides had a substantial discussion on an interim arrangement for a proposed hotline communication. It was also agreed to convene the second organizational meeting and the inaugural meeting of the JCGC in February 2024 in Philippines.?