Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., serving as Chair of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), called on ASEAN Member States and Plus Partners to strengthen regional cooperation in upholding international law, addressing security challenges, and protecting vulnerable populations during his opening remarks in Cebu on Thursday.
Secretary Teodoro highlighted the adoption of the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Manila Joint Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of ADMM, the two key outcome documents during the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting yesterday.
“These documents outline our collective commitment to promoting adherence to our shared principles and strengthening ASEAN unity and Centrality in our relations with you, our Dialogue Partners,” Teodoro said.
In his address, Teodoro emphasized the importance of adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as the foundation for cooperation among ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners.
He stressed that these principles must continue to guide regional engagement, underscoring the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and Centrality in relations with Dialogue Partners.
Teodoro also called for sustained progress under the ADMM-Plus framework, citing the Philippines’ cooperation with Japan as co-chairs of the Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security, under which the Philippines hosted the Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders Program in Subic in September.
Looking ahead, he identified maritime security, disaster resilience, the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges as areas where regional cooperation could be further advanced.
“Exchanges among our youth, in particular, will enable them to develop at an early age the networks of trust, cooperation that they will need to hold when they hold the reins of leadership in the future,” Teodoro said, similarly emphasizing that these initiatives must remain anchored on respect for international law, including UNCLOS.
Teodoro likewise underscored the need for greater cooperation in addressing disruptions arising from conflicts overseas and supply chain challenges, particularly their effects on food and energy security.
He called on ASEAN Member States and Plus Countries to work together in safeguarding migrant workers and seafarers, particularly those from smaller countries who have been caught in crossfires.
“We wish to reiterate what we have said in other defense dialogues this year: the international order must have a special obligation to protect migrant workers and seafarers in recognition of their vital contributions to the global economy and the way of life of the countries wherein they serve,” Teodoro also said.
As ADMM-Plus Chair, Teodoro welcomed the participating defense ministers and delegations to Cebu, expressing appreciation for their support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and their commitment to the security and resilience of Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Teodoro also called for continued cooperation among participating countries in advancing regional peace, security, and prosperity.
“Together, let us create a safer and more prosperous future for our region and the world,” Teodoro said in conclusion.