Chief of Staff of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force Gen. Koji Yamazaki on March 4 met with his Philippine counterpart Maj. Gen. Macairog Alberto and discussed issues relating to defence cooperation and regional security.
The Philippine Army’s spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said, during the meeting at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio - one of two military forts in the capital city of Manila, they discussed regional security, including the East Sea situation, counterterrorism and other issues of mutual concern.
In addition, the two sides also debated such matters as humanitarian and disaster response, joint logistical training plans, and plans for the Philippines to acquire defense equipment from Japan essential to logistics and logistics support.
Gen. Yamazaki's ongoing visit highlights the continuing good relationship between the two countries, both of which are facing mounting security concerns at their sea borders.
The Japanese officer’s four-day visit will also include a trip to the Philippine Army's largest military installation of Fort Magsaysay in the northern province of Nueva Ecija.
