By Prashanth Parameswaran
Reports suggest Gen Nakatani’s trip to Manila could occur as early as April.
Japan’s defense minister Gen Nakatani could visit the Philippines as early as April this year to beef up security ties between the two nations as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties, Kyodo News reported January 5.
According to a government source, the visit, which may take place during the Golden Week holidays from late April to early May, would build on existing defense pacts reached between the two strategic partners in 2015. These include a memorandum of understanding to enhance defense cooperation reached in January as well as an agreement in principle covering the transfer of defense equipment and technology in November (See: “Japan, Philippines to Agree New Military Deal on APEC Sidelines”).
Agenda items, the source said, could include discussion about Japan providing further support for the Philippine military. In November, Japanese premier Shinzo Abe had said that Tokyo would “consider the specifics” of Manila’s request for the provision of large patrol vessels to the Philippine coast guard. But Japanese officials had also said that it would be some time before the actual transfer of defense equipment and technology takes place, with legal and financial technicalities still to be worked out.
Read the full story at The Diplomat