Japan defense chief arriving for talks

Japan Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono will arrive tomorrow for an overnight visit to discuss security issues with top government officials.

On Monday, Ono is to call on President Arroyo and then hold separate talks with Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr.

Japanese embassy spokesman Shuhei Ogawa told reporters yesterday the Philippines and Japan had never been as active in the field of defense cooperation and exchanges, considering their already close ties.

"Both countries have agreed to seek cooperation... (in) various defense fields, such as rescue operations and natural disaster operations," he said.

The visit will give Ono and Cruz an opportunity to "exchange views on common defense and security concerns of the two countries," the Defense department said in a statement.

Ogawa said Ono’s trip is part of ongoing consultations with Asian neighbors and allies.

Ono is to fly to Australia late Monday. –Pia Lee-Brago, AFP