PHL, Japan ink agreement on defense equipment transfer

(ShutterStock image)

MANILA – In line with ongoing efforts to upgrade the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa formally signed the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology Monday afternoon.

Signing took place at the Department of National Defense Social Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The agreement is another manifestation of the strengthening defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

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

The defense equipment cooperation with Japan would not only reinforce robust ties between the two countries but would also contribute in enhancing defense capabilities of the AFP needed to address Philippine security concerns and to 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 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 Department of National Defense 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 said agreement.