MANILA, December 9 ------ The Philippines and Japan sealed an aid grant that would provide equipment and assistance to the Philippine military to boost the country's defense capabilities. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo led the signing and exchange of notes for this year's Official Security Assistance (OSA) worth ¥1.6 billion (P611 million).
This year's project provides assistance to the Philippine Navy including Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIBs), Coastal Radar Systems and other equipment such as Automatic Identification System (AIS) to improve its maritime domain awareness capabilities. The Philippine Air Force will receive equipment related to the Air Surveillance Radar System from Japan to help improve monitoring and surveillance capabilities. "It is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the regional security and to enhance the security of the vital sea lanes, and will be of significance to Japan's security," the Japanese Embassy noted in its press release.
The Japanese Embassy noted the Philippines is the only country Japan has selected as the grand aid recipient for two consecutive years. Last year, Japan granted ¥600 million under the same program which aims to provide Coastal Radar Systems to the Philippine Navy to strengthen its coastal surveillance and to contribute to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Japanese envoy said the program represents a "pivotal advancement" in their strategic partnership and mutual commitment to building stronger security cooperation with the Philippines. "We sincerely hope that the provision of these items will be of great use for our friends facing strategic challenges," Endo said.
Manalo called the assistance as another "significant milestone" following the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in July this year. He noted that this would bolster the Philippine-Japan relations not only in the field of security but also in economic and political areas. "It only further solidifies the strong and growing collaboration between the Philippines and Japan in promoting peace, stability and cooperation in our region," he said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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