A Japanese Ground Component Command (GCC) general made a historic visit to the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters as he paid a courtesy call to Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Monday.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army public affairs office chief, noted that it is the "first time that the Ground Component Command (GCC) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) visited the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio."

During the visit, Nafarrete and Lt. Gen. Kobayashi Hiroki, the Commanding General of the Ground Component Command (GCC) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) discussed "more on the inaugural participation of Japan to Exercises Balikatan and Salaknib."

Kobayashi is in the country to observe the Maritime Strike Exercises as part of the annual Exercise Balikatan in Ilocos Norte this week.

Dema-ala said the two generals also talked about "future engagements of GCC with the Philippine Army."

"Also, the CGPA conveyed that the diverse capabilities of the JGSDF, particularly of the GCC units, will greatly contribute in enhancing the capabilities of the PA units and personnel," he said.

"Established in March 2018, the GCC, JGSDF consolidates control of all regional armies and subordinate units under one authority. It is also the main JGSDF unit tasked with multinational training and exercises, hence responsible for the establishment of a bilateral partnership with the Philippines," said Dema-ala. Robina Asido/PHS