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.