Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. held separate bilateral meetings with defense officials from Japan, Ukraine, and the Netherlands on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue over the weekend, the Department of National Defense (DND) reported Monday.
Teodoro participated in the 22nd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue held from May 30 to June 1, 2025 in Singapore, where he discussed security concerns and defense partnerships with various countries.
During his meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, both officials emphasized the importance of expanding defense collaboration, particularly through joint military exercises such as Balikatan and Kamandag.
This cooperation is expected to deepen with the implementation of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement. They also agreed to explore greater cooperation in the production of defense equipment.
To help counter threats to regional peace, Teodoro underscored the importance of sustained bilateral and multilateral dialogues, and called for stronger alliances grounded in shared values and mutual respect.
In his discussion with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Oleksandr Kozenko, Teodoro reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kozenko announced that Ukraine would assign a defense attaché to Manila to help strengthen bilateral defense ties.
Teodoro expressed interest in Ukraine’s technological advancements, while Kozenko said Ukraine is eager to learn from the Philippines’ expertise in maritime disaster response and post-trauma recovery.
Both nations reiterated their commitment to international law, with Ukraine pledging continued adherence to the Geneva Conventions and openness to deeper defense cooperation with the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Teodoro also met with Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans, expressing interest in adopting the Netherlands’ best practices in defense governance.
Brekelmans, in turn, voiced support for a rules-based international order and conveyed interest in pursuing joint military activities with the Philippines.
The two officials extended mutual invitations for future visits and affirmed their intent to further enhance defense engagement and cooperation, the DND said.
