New PHL, US defense cooperation to help modernize AFP -- Goldberg

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): New PHL, US defense cooperation to help modernize AFP -- Goldberg

As the Filipino and American governments formally signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Monday, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said that the forging of this latest initiative will greatly aid in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"It (EDCA) will also support the shared goal of promoting the long term modernization of the AFP and will help the AFP maintain and develop additional security, maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities," Goldberg stated.

The Philippines and US governments signed the EDCA Monday, around 10 a.m. at the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

And while the US is prepared to help the Philippines, the ambassador stressed that the US government will not use the EDCA to reopen American bases in the country.

"It (EDCA) will not reopen (any) US bases (in the Philippines) it's an agreement to enhance our defense relationship," Goldberg pointed out.

He added that the EDCA will also take Philippines-US bilateral security relationships to a higher level.

"We look forward to working closely with you and your government in the weeks, months and years ahead to continue to strengthen our alliance, build our individual and collective defense capacities and ensure that our nations are ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century in a new and equal partnership," the American official said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=638562