(Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kitagawa Katsuro during an introductory call at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Teodoro commended Japan for the successful conduct of the recently concluded Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security.
The Philippines and Japan co-hosted the activities, which brought together participating defense officials and personnel to strengthen cooperation, interoperability and professional exchanges in maritime security.
Teodoro said the initiatives reflected the deepening defense partnership between Manila and Tokyo and underscored both countries’ commitment to regional peace, stability and a rules-based maritime order.
The meeting also highlighted the expanding security relationship between the Philippines and Japan, including continued cooperation in maritime security, capacity-building and defense exchanges.
The DND said the introductory call provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defense ties.
