Manila, March 25 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae agreed to work closely towards supporting the "early de-escalation" in the Strait of Hormuz as the Iranian blockade in the key waterway brings energy crisis across regions.

The two leaders made the agreement during a summit telephone meeting in the evening of March 24.

The Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two put emphasis on coordination and cooperation with the international community in ensuring the early de-escalation of the situation, with a particular focus on "securing safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

"President Marcos explained the position and efforts of the Philippines. The two leaders concurred o...