By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippines and Croatia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation, which seeks to strengthen bilateral defense relations between the two nations.
The MOU, which was signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević last April 11 in Split, Croatia, provides a framework for cooperation in the field of defense “on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit”.
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.
There will be 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, Defense Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
The MOU would increase and strengthen DND’s international defense and security engagements (IDSE) with other countries under the national government’s independent foreign policy.
Despite its young existence as an independent nation and having a small population, Croatia is a proud contributor of peacekeeping forces to the United Nations and boasts of its own modern and highly-advanced defense industry.
Lorenzana assured that the bilateral meeting will propel better and warmer friendly relations between the two countries.
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