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.