Manila, Dec. 11 -- Senior defense officials from the Philippines and France met on Wednesday to discuss the planned military exercises for next year, as well as other ongoing and emerging areas of cooperation.

Among the activities reviewed by both sides during the 5th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting held in Mandaluyong City were the Multinational Exercise MARARA 2026, Exercise Balikatan 2026, and Exercise SAMASAMA 2026.

"Participation in these exercises underscores the growing and long-term defense partnership between the Philippines and France," Department of Defense (DND) spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, said in a statement Wednesday night.

Andolong said the JDCC discussions covered a wide range ...