New Delhi, Nov 22 :
On the final day of his three-day visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday met his Japan counterpart Gen Nakatani and Secretary of National Defence (Defence Minister) of the Philippines, Gilberto Teodoro.
During his meeting with the Japanese Defence Minister, both leaders reiterated the importance of defence industry and technology cooperation between the two countries, a Defence Ministry statement.
Recalling the milestone event of the signing of Memorandum of Implementation of UNICORN mast in Japan last week, both sides agreed for enhanced cooperation in co-production and co-development in the defence manufacturing sector.
To further improve inter-operability between the Indian and Japanese forces, reciprocal provision of supply and services agreements between the two countries and participation of militaries in various bilateral and multilateral exercises were discussed by both the Ministers. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the air domain.
While holding bilateral talks with Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines, Rajnath Singh welcomed the Philippines as country coordinator for India in ASEAN and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus forum for the next cycle. Both sides agreed to expand and deepen cooperation in exchange of subject matter experts, defence industry, counter-terrorism, space and maritime domain.
Prior to his departure to New Delhi, the Defence Minister also visited the Wat Sisakat Temple (a Buddhist Temple) in Vientiane, and sought blessings from Shri Mahaveth Chittakaro, Abbot of Sisaket Temple.
During his three-day stay in Vientiane, Rajnath Singh attended the 11th ADMM-Plus, and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Malaysia, Lao PDR, China, US, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Australia, Japan and the Philippines.
