PH, Bangladesh eye expanded defense cooperation

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 21) — The Philippine and Bangladeshi militaries are aiming to forge better defense ties through training and education, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday.

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, Training, and Doctrine MGen. Noel Beleran and Bangladesh's National Defense College Directing Staff Army-6 BGen. Kazi Anisuzzaman met on Wednesday during a courtesy visit.

An AFP statement said Beleran discussed the Philippine military's exchange programs with the Bangladeshi officer.

"We are planning to establish our defense cooperation and our shared responsibility through education and training in pursuit of a more stable Indo-Pacific," said Beleran.

The National Defense College of Bangladesh official is currently in the Philippines for a study tour.

"We need you and we need our brothers beside us. We value your country," said Anisuzzaman as he expressed his hopes of "increasing connectivity" with partner nations.