Manila, April 30 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has thanked Japan for its strong support of the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

Teodoro made the remark in his meeting with Japanese State Minister of Defense Oniki Makoto at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.

Makoto, representing Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, is on a three-day official visit to Manila from April 28 to 30, upon the invitation of Teodoro.

"Secretary Teodoro personally welcomed State Minister Oniki during the latter's courtesy call at the DND, highlighting the increased defense interaction and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan towards the promotion...