Manila, Feb. 14 -- The Philippines and France militaries are planning to expand their defense ties and bilateral cooperation.

This was after French Joint Commander for Asia Pacific Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget met with Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, Acting Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday.

"Both military leaders underscored the importance of strengthening defense partnership through a series of initiatives, including potential bilateral activities, and a renewed commitment to modernization and training exchange aimed at improving operational readiness," the AFP said in a statement Thursday night.

Pinget's visit underscores the AFP's commitment to fostering a more resilie...