The Philippines moved to broaden its defense and security partnerships with Europe through separate high-level meetings with Switzerland and the European Union on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Swiss Federal Councilor Martin Pfister, head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, to discuss regional and global security developments.
The two officials exchanged views on emerging security challenges and the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation as countries respond to evolving threats.
Teodoro also held a separate meeting with European External Action Service Secretary General Belén Martínez Carbonell, where he thanked the European Union for its continued engagement and support for the Philippines.
He said closer cooperation with like-minded European partners would help deter threats to peace and stability, while also supporting efforts to protect overseas Filipinos.
Martínez Carbonell reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the Philippines and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in key defense and security areas, including maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
The meetings highlighted Manila’s push to widen its network of security partners beyond the Indo-Pacific as it works with other governments and institutions to promote a stable, secure, and rules-based international order.