HC Deb 15 January 1996 vol 269 cc425-6W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and designations of the civilian and military officials he met during his recent visit to the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the defence agreement made with that country. [8569]

Mr. Portillo

During my visit to the Philippines which was hosted by the Secretary for National Defence, Mr. de Villa, I had a meeting with President Ramos and met, during official calls at the Department for National Defence and military establishments, the Under Secretary, General Gacis, the Chief of Staff, General Enrile, the commanding generals of the army and air force, Lieutenant General Soriano and Lieutenant General Acedera, and acting Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine navy, Commodore Santos, together with members of their staffs and other senior officers. I also met Mr. Gordon, the chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay metropolitan authority and members of his staff.

I was pleased to sign a defence co-operation memorandum of understanding with Secretary de Villa which will strengthen our defence relations through, for example, exchange visits and joint military exercises.