A VISITING Japanese official yesterday said his country is eyeing to enhance its defense cooperation on equipment and technology with the Philippines and other countries.
Tsuchimoto Hideki, Commissioner of the Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency of Japan, made the remarks during a courtesy call on Armed Forces chief Gen. Andres Centino at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City yesterday morning.
During the meeting, Centino affirmed the military’s “support for stronger defense cooperation with Japan,” said Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of the military’s Public Affairs Office.
Ileto said Centino “welcomed and expressed his grateful appreciation to the Japanese official for their assistance in the AFP modernization and capability upgrade program.”
Japan has provided assistance to the Armed Forces over the past years, including helicopter spare parts, surveillance planes and radar systems.
“We are thankful for your help in our modernization and acquisition of new equipment and capability,” said Centino.
Ileto said Centino said the military is “excited to work with the Japanese government to further improve security and defense relations in view of present challenges.”
“Mr. Tsuchimoto reciprocated the gesture and relayed Japan’s willingness to enhance ties under its new defense and security policies,” said Ileto.
“He (Tsuchimoto) added that, citing the new strategic documents, they are also looking for ways to strengthen defense equipment and technology cooperation with other countries including the Philippines to contribute to peace and stability in the region,” added Ileto.
