The Philippines and South Africa are looking at further expanding ties in the field of peacekeeping and humanitarian and disaster response operations.

Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr. and South African Ambassador to Manila Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe made this commitment during a meeting at the DND main office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Aug. 26.

The details of the South African envoy’s visit were only released on Wednesday.

“Furthermore, the Ambassador mentioned that the Philippines and South Africa could explore collaboration on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), among others,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

He added that the two officials also discussed possible frameworks on defense cooperation, security and defense priorities, the Philippines’ military modernization program, and geopolitical issues in their respective regions.

“The OIC, DND conveyed that the Philippines views South Africa as a potential partner in the African region. The two sides agreed that both countries share common defense and security challenges, particularly combatting terrorism, insurgency, and other internal and external security threats. The Ambassador highlighted that South Africa is willing to share its expertise and expressed interest in learning from the Philippines’ experiences,” Andolong said.

He also noted the two officials reaffirmed interest in finalizing a framework to pave the way for pursuing areas of defense cooperation.

“The officials recalled the successful procurement projects of the Philippines with South Africa, and agreed on the importance of modernizing and capacitating both countries’ armed forces,” the DND spokesperson added.

Andolong said both sides also encouraged further enhancement of defense and military relations as well as continued discussion on specific issues and concerns and possible areas of cooperation. (PNA)