Seoul: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will participate in the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2026 in South Korea from Sept. 7 to 9, highlighting the growing security ties between Manila and Seoul.

According to Philippines News Agency, Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong stated that Teodoro will deliver remarks during the summit's Plenary Session 1: 'Collaborative Architecture for International Stability.' This marks Teodoro's second consecutive participation in the SDD, following his attendance at last year's event.

On the sidelines of the SDD, Teodoro is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back to discuss areas of mutual interest and further strengthen the longstanding defense and security partnership between the two nations. The Philippines and South Korea share longstanding defense ties forged during the Korean War, when Filipino soldiers served alongside United Nations forces.

"Secretary Teodoro's participation underscores the Philippines' commitment to strengthening defense partnerships, advancing regional cooperation, and promoting a peaceful, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s direction to advance the country's defense engagements," Andolong said.

Hosted annually by South Korea's Ministry of National Defense, the SDD is a premier multilateral security forum that brings together defense ministers, senior officials, military leaders, experts, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing regional and global security concerns.