The Philippines and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense and security cooperation as both countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations this year.
Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino met with Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Nader Nabil Zaki on May 19 in Quezon City to discuss the current direction of bilateral defense relations.
During the meeting, both officials welcomed the growing engagement between Manila and Cairo and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in defense and security, both through bilateral channels and wider multilateral platforms.
The two sides also discussed the proposed Philippines-Egypt Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, which is expected to serve as a framework for exploring areas of shared interest, including exchanges, training opportunities, and other possible defense-related activities.
Zaki also expressed openness to possible collaboration on training for Imams under the Chaplain Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Egyptian envoy likewise conveyed interest in further exploring Egypt’s cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a sectoral dialogue partner.
The meeting ended with both officials expressing confidence in the future of Philippine-Egypt defense cooperation.