Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Saturday met with Shin Won-Sik, Minister of National Defense of South Korea, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission for a Stronger Europe in the World and discussed regional security challenges and to deepen defense cooperation.
“We look forward to the future of South Korea – Philippine relations,” Teodoro said, adding that the Philippines values the 75 years of defense and security cooperation between the two countries.
Teodoro also thanked Shin for South Korea’s support to the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea issue.
Shin said South Korea wants to foster a stronger and forward-looking defense and security relations with the Philippines.
Teodoro, in his meeting with Fontelles, said the Philippines needs the EU’s support in multilateral forums.
Fontelles in turn said that the EU is willing to extend assistance to the Philippines in areas such as maritime security and cybersecurity.
“We have to do more in this part of the world. Let us do more than courtesy visits,” Fontelles said.
Teodoro and Singapore Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen meanwhile reaffirmed on Saturday the broad-based bilateral defense and security relations between their two countries.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue, Teodoro and Ng also vowed to further strengthen their cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as regional security.
“We value your voice in regional and multilateral forums,” Ng said.
In return, the Philippine defense chief said the two countries need to cooperate more on areas of mutual interest.