RP, France to sign defense pact

RP, France to sign defense pact

MANILA (AFP): The Philippines and France will sign a defense cooperation agreement when President Fidel Ramos visits Paris as part of a European tour this week, Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo said yesterday.

Romulo said this was one of 15 agreements to be signed by Ramos during his eight day visit to Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Germany.

He would not give specifics on the agreement although the military previously said they were considering an agreement for assistance in logistics and equipment.

Romulo said Ramos would sign an agreement to obtain export credits from Spain and European Union grants amounting to about 25 million Ecu (US$30 million) to help certain Philippine provinces.

He also said Ramos would oversee the signing of 21 business joint ventures. However he could not give the specifics.