Philippines, Croatia sign MOU on defense cooperation

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević sign a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. DND

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last week to enhance their bilateral defense cooperation.

The MOU was signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević last Thursday in Split, Croatia, the DND said in a statement.

Both countries have agreed to cooperate in defense and security policy, military education, training and capacity building, military equipment, logistics and maintenance, defense industry and technology, and other areas mutually approved by the two sides.

This is expected to lead to exchanges of delegations and personnel; personnel for on-the-job-training; information, documentation and materials; and participation in seminars, workshops and other activities organized by both countries.

This MOU is one of the consequences of the national government’s independent foreign policy.

Lorenzana was in Croatia last week to attend the Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace (ASDA) Exhibition and Conference.

A Philippine delegation who attended the ASDA Exhibition and Conference met with several Croatian defense industry companies, a Croatian news website said. /je