Agreement on transfer of defense equipment to deepen partnership between PHL, Japan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Agreement on transfer of defense equipment to deepen partnership between PHL, Japan

The signing of the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology between Philippines and Japan could be the start of the creation of further mechanisms that can deepen the partnership between the two nations, Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Voltaire Gazmin said.

"Looking ahead, let us continue to explore additional mechanisms to further deepen our partnership, perhaps in information sharing agreement and eventually in visiting forces agreement," he added.

Aside from enhancing Philippine defense capabilities, the treaty would also contribute to regional peace and stability.

It would also provide framework for Japan to transfer defense equipment and technology to the Philippines.

In line with Japan’s security policy of making a proactive contribution to international peace and stability is Tokyo’s readiness to transfer defense equipment to its neighbors to develop their respective defense capabilities.

This dovetails with the Philippine thrust to have access to equipment and technology from its partner countries.

It can be recalled that when Japan has adopted its new “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment Technology” in April 2014, various discussions regarding Philippines-Japan defense equipment cooperation were conducted.

Acknowledging the importance of such cooperation on Philippines-Japan defense relations, both sides conducted several consultations regarding an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology.

The DND, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs, worked closely with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Ministry of Defense on this matter.

The Philippines is the first ASEAN country with which Japan has concluded such agreement.

Both sides are optimistic that tangible cooperation would be drawn up in accordance with the agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=861878