Japan will build four coast radar stations on islands in the Sulu Celebes Seas to help Manila counter a surge in piracy by Islamic insurgents. (Photo: AFP/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Japan will build four coast radar stations on islands in the Sulu Celebes Seas separating the Philippines and Indonesia to help Manila counter a surge in piracy by Islamic insurgents.
Japan and the Philippines reached an agreement on funding the facilities and providing training for local coast guard personnel.
Japan will finance construction of the radar stations through its Overseas Development Aid (ODA) budget.
The radar stations are part of the wider aid package that include helicopter parts for the Philippine military, funding infrastructure projects such as rail lines and help rebuild conflict-torn southern Marawi city after five months of military operations against Islamic State rebels.
Infrastructure construction support for the Philippines aims to deepen economic and security ties with the Southeast Asian nation.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will travel to the Philippines on November 13 after attending the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week in Vietnam.-VNA
VNA
