Philippines, South Korea sign deal on defense, logistics industry cooperation

June 14, 2019

The 22nd Joint Committee Meeting on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation between Philippines and South Korea was early this week.

Arsenio Andolong, Department of National Defense (DND) Public Affairs Service chief ,said the meeting was held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay last Monday.

"This year’s JCM was hosted by the Philippines, with the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines as lead agencies," he said.

Andolong said the meeting was "participated in by DND and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) officials, officers, and personnel, as well as representatives from the Republic of Korea."

"Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Jesus Rey Avilla, who served as the co-chairperson of the Philippines panel, opened the ceremony and introduced the agenda of the meeting," he said.

"Subsequently, various Korean defense companies, like Hyundai and Hanwha, presented their military and defense products and services," he stated

"Representatives from the respective technical working groups of Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force asked questions and provided comments on the presentations," he added.

Andolong said "the meeting between the two countries aimed to strengthen and address issues on its cooperation regarding logistical and defense matters, such as amendment on the agreement; procurement supply; acquisition and transfer of equipment; and government-to-government projects."

Andolong a signing of Arrangement to Amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on logistics and defense industry cooperation was also made during the meeting.

"The meeting was concluded with the signing of the Arrangement to Amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation and the exchanging of mementos between Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel Raymundo D.V. Elefante and Republic of Korea’s Vice Minister of Defense Acquisition

Program Administration Han Myung Jin," he said.

In his remarks, Elefante stressed the importance of the signing of the arrangement.

“With the signing of the Arrangement to Amend the MOU will support its main purpose, which is to strengthen the support capabilities of the Armed Forces of both parties by expanding and enhancing cooperation in logistics, and to promote cooperation in the defense industries,” Elefante said. Robina Asido/DMS