The Philippines moved to deepen defense cooperation with South Korea and Singapore through separate meetings held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on May 30, where he thanked Seoul for its continued support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
Both sides recognized the steady growth of defense relations between Manila and Seoul and discussed ways to expand cooperation, particularly in defense logistics and the defense industry.
Teodoro also cited the long-standing ties between the two countries, including the role of Filipino soldiers who fought alongside South Korean forces during the Korean War. He said preserving this shared history remains important for future generations.
The two officials also exchanged views on regional security issues, including developments in the Korean Peninsula and the West Philippine Sea.
They also discussed future engagements, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and the Seoul Defense Dialogue later this year.
Teodoro separately met with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing to discuss stronger bilateral defense relations, including expanded joint training and exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Singapore Armed Forces.
The defense officials also tackled humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation, with Teodoro noting the value of Singapore’s continued participation in exercises that match its expertise and capabilities.
Chan welcomed the Philippines’ offer to further expand defense cooperation and expressed support for the country’s ASEAN chairship.
Teodoro also thanked Singapore for hosting the Shangri-La Dialogue.
During the meetings, Teodoro presented the Philippines as a possible hub for cooperation among like-minded partners, citing its role in protecting freedom of the seas and supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.