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Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 13

Xinhua, March 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

India and the United States have finalized a new framework agreement on defense cooperation which would replace the existing deal which expires in June, Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said Friday.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, or lower house of parliament, the minister said that a dialogue has been established between India and the United States under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) for co-development and co-production of unique and exceptional technologies of mutual interest, according to the Press Trust of India. (India-U.S.-Defense Cooperation)

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TOKYO -- Defense and Foreign ministers from Japan and France reached an agreement Friday on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, as well as provision of supplies and services between the two countries defense forces.

The announcement was made during their second round of bilateral "two plus two" meeting, which was set last year in Paris.

The two countries vowed to enhance their cooperation in the fight against terrorism through curbing the flow of foreign militants, terrorist financing and formation of terrorist networks, local reports quoted unnamed Japanese officials as saying. (Japan- France-Defense Equipment)

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SEOUL -- A South Korean coast guard helicopter with four passengers on board crashed near an island off the country's southwest coast on Friday, local media reported.

The helicopter, which belonged to South Korea's Mokpo marine security department, crashed into sea when trying to land near a sea wall on Gageodo island of South Jeolla province at around 8:27 p.m. local time, Yonhap news agency quoted local firefighters as saying.

A vessel and helicopter have been sent to conduct the rescue operation. Casualties were still unknown at present, according to officials. (South Korea-Helicopter-Crash)

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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan launched an indigenously developed armed drone on Friday, test-firing laser-guided missiles, the military said.

The "Burraq" drone and "Barq" missile, which have impressive pin-point accuracy, have all-weather and multiplied capability against terrorists, the army said in a statement.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, who attended the launching ceremony, witnessed the test fire on static and moving targets. ( Pakistan-Drone) Endi