The Philippine military has found a new Western ally which vowed to boost the Filipino soldier’s operational capability in terms of warfare training using modern equipment.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed a Memorandum of Understanding with his counterpart in Croatia during his visit last week.
“Through the MoU, both countries agreed to cooperate in defense and security policy, military education, training, and capacity building, military equipment, logistics, and maintenance, defense industry and technology, and other areas mutually approved by both parties,” said Lorenzana.
Despite being a small country and with a small population, Croatia boasts of modern and highly advanced defense industry.
Lorenzana said the signing of the MoU starts the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Croatia.
The agreement was signed by Lorenzana and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević last April 11 in Split, Croatia.
“It provides a framework for cooperation in the field of defense, on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit,” said Lorenzana. “These will pave the way for exchanges of delegations and personnel; personnel for on-the-job-training; information, documentation and materials; and participation in seminars, workshops, and other activities organized by both countries,” he added. (Aaron Recuenco)
