Rajnath Singh meets Japan, Philippines counterparts on last day of Laos visit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday met his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines on the last day of his visit to Laos.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of a conclave between members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its dialogue partners in Vientiane.
During the meeting between Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister General Nikatani, the two sides reiterated the importance of defence industry and technology cooperation between the two countries.
In the wake of the signing of a Memorandum of Implementation of the UNICORN mast in Japan last week, the nations also agreed for enhanced cooperation in co-production and co-development in the defence manufacturing sector.
“I’m confident that our partnership will play a significant role in ensuing free, open and rules-based Indo Pacific region,” Rajnath Singh tweeted.
To further improve inter-operability between the Indian and Japanese forces, Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement between the two countries and participation of militaries in various bilateral and multilateral exercises were also discussed.
They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the air domain.
Following his meeting with the Philippines’s Gilberto Teodoro, the Union Defence Minister said the Southeast Asian country is an “important partner in our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision”.
“India is strongly committed to further strengthen and expand defence cooperation with Philippines,” he added.
The two sides also agreed to expand and deepen cooperation in exchange for subject-matter experts, defence industry, counter-terrorism, space and maritime domain.
Before departing for Delhi, Rajnath Singh visited the Wat Sisakat Templein Vientiane.
Besides attending the three-day conclave, the Union Minister also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Malaysia, Laos, China, the US, New Zealand, South Korea and Australia.