H.E. Mr. Itsunori ONODERA, Minister of Defense of Japan, visited the Philippines from 26 to 27 June, 2013. A meeting between Minister Onodera and his Filipino counterpart, H.E. Mr. Voltaire T. Gazmin was held on 27 June 2013.
1. The two ministers welcomed the deepening of the “Strategic Partnership” between Japan and the Philippines in the field of defense, particularly on maritime affairs. Maritime cooperation between the defense authorities is steadfastly developing and includes the following efforts.
- Reciprocal visits between the Chief of Staff of Japanese Maritime Self-defense Forces (JMSDF) and the Flag Officer of the Philippine Navy (PN)
- Holding of the Japan-Philippines Maritime Chief of Staff Meeting
- Port calls in the Philippines by JMSDF vessels
- Pacific Partnership 2012
2. The two ministers concurred on further promoting cooperation, not only in the field of maritime affairs but also in the field of aviation which was highlighted during the visit to the Philippines of the Chief of Staff of Japanese Air Self-defense Force (JASDF) . The defense authorities of Japan and the Philippines will advance policy coordination on defense issues and, promote and sustain partnership in the field of defense to include:
- Capacity building, especially humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) cooperation as well as cooperation in the field of flight safety, air rescue, and aviation medicine between the JASDF and the Philippine Air force (PAF)
- Conduct of the Ship Rider Program on the JMSDF training vessels
- Participation in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) Short Term Exchange Program (STEP)
- Participation in the Asia Pacific Naval College Seminar
- Holding of the Japan-Philippines Air Chief of Staff Meeting
- Holding of high-level and working level meetings
- Exploration of possibility of convening a Vice-ministerial Meeting
-End-
|
