France, RP sign defense agreement

France, RP sign defense agreement

PARIS (AFP): France and the Philippines signed the first
defense agreement between Manila and a European state on
Wednesday, the final day of President Fidel Ramos' official visit
here.

"Our respective defense ministers concluded a memorandum of
understanding on defense cooperation," said Ramos during press
conference in Paris, marking the end of his 48-hour visit.

"It is not a defense pact," he stressed. "It is not a military
alliance, but it is very similar to what we have already
undertaken with our neighbors in Asia as well in other parts of
the world" he added.

Ramos added that the "people-to-people relationship" between
France and the Philippines was "now being renewed and
strengthened."

The two countries also signed agreements in the meteorology,
telecommunications, hydroelectric power and water supply sectors
during Ramos's visit.