Japan looks forward to strong military ties with PH

MANILA, Philippines—Japan’s army chief made a two-day visit to the Philippines to further improve military cooperation between the two countries amid tension in the South China Sea.

Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, welcomed General Kiyofumi Iwata, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Chief of Staff, who arrived Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato, Philippine Army spokesman, said the two discussed the relationship between the Philippine Army and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and looked at ways on how to improve cooperation.

“Discussed during the visit were measures on how to further improve the existing relationship between the Japan Army and Philippine Army,” Detoyato said.

“The end goal of which is the strengthening of the defense cooperation between Japan and Philippines,” he added.

Iwata also visited the Philippine Army’s Special Forces Command in Fort Magsaysay and witnessed the demonstration of the Light Reaction Regiment, the Philippine Army’s elite unit.

Detoyato added that Iwata and members of his staff visited 51st Engineer Brigade Headquarters in Camp General Atienza, Libis, Quezon City wherein members of the unit conducted Humanitarian and Disaster Response capability demonstrations.

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