Philippines, Japan sign defense agreement

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 4): Philippines, Japan sign defense agreement

Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa inked the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology—another manifestation of the strengthening defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan. The agreement will provide a framework for Japan to transfer defense equipment and technology to the Philippines.

The defense equipment cooperation agreement with Japan will not only reinforce robust ties between the two countries but will also contribute to the enhancement of defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) needed to address Philippine security concerns and contribute to regional peace and stability.

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

It may 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.

Both sides conducted several consultations to reach to an agreement. The DND along with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) worked closely with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and its Ministry of Defense on this matter.

The Philippines is the first ASEAN country with which Japan has concluded such agreement. Both states are optimistic that tangible cooperation will be drawn up in accordance with the said agreement. (DND)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001456985534/philippines-japan-sign-defense-agreement-