MANILA, Philippines – Sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., na asahan nang ang ‘security cooperation’ ang pinakamahalagang agenda sa nakatakda niyang pakikipagpulong kay Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sa susunod na linggo.
“I expect that we will be talking about many things, but of course, security cooperation will be a very important part of that discussion,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos sa isang panayam ng Japanese media sa Malakanyang bago pa ang kanyang State Visit sa Japan sa Mayo 26.
“First of all, what we have agreed upon is the reciprocal access agreement, for example, and the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement that was signed last January. We want, I’m sure, we are going to discuss those to fully implement those agreements,” ang winika ni Pangulong Marcos.
“Japan’s new approach to security and defense, especially in the region, will also be brought up in the discussion to clarify things in terms of further cooperation and assistance, not only to the Philippines, but to ASEAN as well,” aniya pa rin.
“Japan taking an active role for the first time in the Balikatan exercises this year is a significant development in the continuing cooperation and training of personnel for better interoperability,” dagdag na pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.
Sa kabilang dako, magiging bahagi rin talakayan ang tulong na matatanggap ng Pilipinas mula sa Japan para sa modernisasyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
At hindi lamang ito bagong approach ng Japan sa pag-export sa weaponry, kundi ang official security assistance nito sa Pilipinas gaya ng radar and support systems, information at technology sharing, at maging personnel training.
Tnukoy din ng Pangulo na maraming lugar ang nangangailangan na magalugad base sa ‘shared values’ ng dalawang bansa na may kinalaman sa pagsunod sa international law, partikular na ang UNCLOS. (KRIS JOSE)
