WORLD
Japan, Philippines agree on defense cooperation
Baku, April 18, AZERTAC
The defense chiefs of Japan and the Philippines have agreed to continue cooperation in a variety of areas, according to NHK World.
Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana held talks in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Iwaya pointed out that defense cooperation between the two countries is steadily advancing in many areas. He said Japan will further contribute in terms of assistance in times of natural disasters and enhancing the warning and surveillance capabilities of the Philippines.
Lorenzana said he wants to further strengthen his country's strategic partnership with Japan as it enters the new Reiwa era.
They agreed that Japan's Self-Defense Forces will continue to take part in joint exercises between the United States and the Philippines. They also agreed on Japan's support for the Philippine military's efforts to enhance its capabilities on land, at sea and in the air. The two countries will also proceed with transfers of defense equipment and technological cooperation.
They confirmed that the SDF's largest destroyer, Izumo, will visit the Philippine Port of Subic Bay in July.
These arrangements are apparently in response to China's military activities in the South China Sea.