Seoul: The Philippines and South Korea are exploring avenues for enhanced defense cooperation in light of regional security challenges, according to the Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday. In a recent meeting between Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-Back, held on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2025, discussions centered on bolstering collaboration in logistics, technological exchange, and defense industry cooperation, all within the framework of the 2015 PH-ROK Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the dialogue underscored the longstanding defense partnership between the two countries, which is rooted in the shared history of the Korean War and commemorated through the 75th anniversary of the conflict. The meeting also emphasized the significance of cultural and educational exchanges and people-to-people ties as crucial components of their bilateral relationship. Secretary Teodoro extended an invitation to Minister Ahn to visit the Philippines, reinforcing Manila's dedication to advancing defense ties and maintaining strategic engagement with South Korea.

Additionally, Secretary Teodoro engaged with Johan Berggren, Sweden's State Secretary to the Minister for Civil Defence, during the SDD 2025. This meeting focused on the Philippines-Sweden defense partnership, following the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Materiel. Discussions included cooperation in civil defense, crisis response, capacity building, defense education and training, as well as technology and emerging security domains. The talks highlighted vulnerabilities in critical underwater infrastructure and shared perspectives on the broader Indo-Pacific security environment.

State Secretary Berggren affirmed Sweden's commitment to strengthening defense and civil defense relations with the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of enduring partnerships in upholding the rules-based international order.