Manila: The Philippine Army (PA) is exploring ways to strengthen its defense collaboration with Singapore. This initiative comes in the wake of a recent meeting between Army commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and the Singaporean defense attach© to the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala reported that the meeting took place at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where Col. Geajaindren Mariapan paid a courtesy call on Lt. Gen. Nafarrete. During the discussions, Nafarrete expressed his interest in enhancing defense relations through targeted initiatives and engagements between the Philippines and Singapore.
The two officials also talked about potential engagements leading up to the 11th Philippines-Singapore Army Working Group Meeting, scheduled from October 21 to 23. This dialogue is part of a broader framework established by the Memorandum of Understanding on National Defense Cooperation, signed between Singapore's Ministry of National Defense and the Philippine Department of National Defense on July 24, 2024.
Additionally, Dema-ala highlighted that the Philippines and Singapore, along with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, will participate in the 33rd ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet from November 18 to 28. They will also engage in the 26th ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting and the 13th ASEAN Sergeant Majors Annual Meet from November 25 to 28.
