Canada-Philippines Defence Cooperation MOU Inked
THE Philippines and Canada have both agreed to enhance defence relations after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Defence Cooperation. The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr recently inked the agreement with Canada’s Ambassador to the Phillipines, David Bruce Hartman.
The signing coincided with the 75th anniversary of Canada-Phillipines diplomatic relations, which would boost cooperation between the two nations in the form of military education, training exchanges and more. “I’m glad to hear that there is a strong intention on both sides to deepen and strengthen the relationships by forging new milestones in our defence relations to culminate, perhaps, with the Visiting Forces Agreement,” Secretary Teodoro said.
He pledged the full commitment of his Department to fully realising the objectives outlined in the MOU to build up defence partnerships with like-minded states as the regional security landscape continues evolving while stressing that areas of common vulnerabilities should not be tackled together.
“The strongest assets we have are the mutual trust and confidence that we have in one another on a people-to-people basis, and because we are dealing with each other in a straightforward, open, and on a rules-based manner, such trust is reinforced and will surpass political changes and the tests of time,” he added. shp/adj/dl (Pix:Philippines Department of National Defense)