DND chief, Japan defense minister agree to boost ties

Philippine Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen to discuss strengthening defense relations.

The ministers agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in operational cooperation, people-to-people exchange, and defense equipment and technology cooperation.

Nakatani noted the complex and intensifying regional security environment, emphasizing the need to boost defense ties for regional peace and stability.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also met with Nakatani, stating that the Philippines and Japan can "find much common ground to build further" due to anticipated regional changes.

Teodoro highlighted the importance of domain awareness and radar capabilities for the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A reciprocal access agreement between the two countries, which would provide a basis for troop cooperation, is awaiting ratification in Japan.