01 June 2015 – Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lt. General John S. Bonafos, accompanied by Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2) Brig. General Martin N. Pinto, and Administrative Assistant Maj. Ronnel B. dela Cruz visited Ankara from May 12 to 13 upon the invitation of the Turkish General Staff (TGS) Deputy Chief Lt. Gen. Yasar Guler.
On May 13, General Bonafos laid a wreath at the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, at Anitkabir in Ankara. This was followed by a meeting between him and General Guler at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters on the same day. Joining the Philippine delegation was Philippine Minister Robert O. Ferrer, Jr.
General Bonafos stated that the Philippines is interested in humanitarian and disaster relief (HDR) operations, and noted the assistance of the Government of Turkey in delivering tents and relief goods to typhoon Haiyan-affected areas. He said he was Commander of Central Command of the AFP at the time, and personally witnessed the operation.
Bonafos added that they are also interested in learning from Turkey its practices in maritime security, “as we have problems in our territorial waters.” General Guler responded by saying that he “completely agrees on all points made. We can initiate military dialogue meetings after the signing of military and defense cooperation agreements.”
General Guler announced during their meeting that the Turkish Navy ship TCG Gediz (F 495) will make a port call on Manila as part of its Southeast Asian goodwill tour in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the sinking of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul off Kushimoto, Japan on 18 September 1890.
The TGS noted the increase in high-level visits between the two countries. TGS stated that it attaches great importance on the Philippines in Turkey’s efforts to enhance its relations with the Asia-Pacific region. Turkey also appreciates the Philippines’ effort to secure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific.
General Bonafos also visited the Aselsan and FNSS facilities as well as the Special Operations Command Headquarters of the Turkish armed forces in Ankara. END