Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with his counterparts from Thailand and Malaysia during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Retreat in Penang, Malaysia to discuss disaster response, security, and regional cooperation.
In talks with Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, both leaders pledged to enhance collaboration on intelligence sharing, disaster response, military medicine, and training exchanges. They addressed challenges like fires from slash-and-burn practices and emphasized strengthening ASEAN’s role in regional stability.
Teodoro also met Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin to discuss maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster response. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to improving defense cooperation despite territorial disputes.
These discussions reflect the Philippines’ focus on building strong international partnerships for security and stability in Southeast Asia.