CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City— Chief of Staff, AFP (CSAFP) General Andres C Centino and Chief of the Japan Self-Defense Forces General Yoshihide Yoshida expressed optimism in the future of Philippines-Japan military relations toward a free and open Indo-Pacific region during their video teleconference on April 13.
In the call, the two leaders affirmed their countries' shared commitment to uphold peace and prosperity, reinforce democratic resilience, and strengthen relations and alliances, considering both countries' strategic locations in the Indo-Pacific region.
General Yoshida thanked the CSAFP for his invitation to attend the closing ceremony of the 38th PH-US Balikatan Exercises and his efforts to set a "strong foundation for cooperation."
"Between our defense forces, it is only proper for us to ensure strong relations. So I am glad that we are in the same direction, that our defense forces support the objective to have a free and open Indo-Pacific," the CSAFP said.
The CSAFP also expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for supporting the AFP modernization, citing projects such as acquiring helicopter spare parts, surveillance planes, and radar systems./// (Photos by Sgt Ambay/PAO, AFP & JSDF)
