Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and Philippine President Benigno Aquino at the meeting. (Photo: Reuters) Hanoi (VNA) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Benigno Aquino reached a deal about defence equipment and technology transfer in a meeting in Manila on November 19.
The two countries have taken a significant step forward in enhancing their defence and security relations by agreeing in principle on the transfer of defence equipment and technology, President Aquino said in a joint press conference following their talks.
He said the two sides hoped for the early conclusion of negotiations for the signing of this agreement.
Once inked, the Philippines will be the first in Asia and the fifth in the world, after the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and France who reached the similar pact with Japan.
Japanese Emperor Akihito and Queen Michiko are scheduled to visit the Philippines in early 2016 on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the normalisation of the two countries’ bilateral ties.-VNA
