February 23, 2024 (Quezon City) – Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met with H.E. Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, Ambassador of South Africa to the Philippines, during the latter’s courtesy call at the Department of National Defense (DND).

During the meeting, Secretary Teodoro and Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe reaffirmed commitment to enhance defense and military relations between the Philippines and South Africa. Towards this end, both officials expressed optimism about concluding proposed defense cooperation agreements (DCAs), which will serve as a framework in formalizing and initiating joint activities in various areas of cooperation.

Secretary Teodoro highlighted that logistics and defense industry collaboration could be a potential area of cooperation, given the priority efforts of the DND to develop the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) of the Philippines, and expedite the capability upgrade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe welcomed the initiative as she underscored the need for countries to work together to address common defense and security challenges. Amid global security developments, the two officials stressed the importance of strengthening ties with like-minded states and upholding a rules-based international order.

The meeting concluded with both officials reaffirming interests to deepen defense and military relations by exploring other areas of cooperation.