MANILA, Feb. 24 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said the country's defense and security relations with Japan have grown stronger through the years.

The defense chief made this comment prior to his bilateral meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

"Let me thank you for your visit to the Philippines. We had extensive visits and discussions yesterday (referring to their tour at military bases in Luzon Sunday). And the only remark I can say is that the visit is, once again, the best proof that bilateral relations, to include defense and security relations between Japan and the Philippines, are robust, enduring and strong," Teodoro said.

On Sunday, ...