August 21, 2024 (Quezon City) – Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met with Col. Santiago Martin Sanz, new defense attaché of Spain to the Philippines, during the latter’s introductory call at the Department of National Defense (DND).

Secretary Teodoro was joined by ASec. Marita I. Yoro, DND Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs, and BGen. Simplitius G. Adecer, Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary. Accompanying Col. Martin Sanz was his assistant, MSgt. Fernando Ruiz, Mallorqui.

Both sides noted course offerings for Philippine military personnel in Spain and looked forward to further working-level discussions on training needs and more opportunities for capacity-building cooperation.

Noting the need to enhance the technical capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to complement the military’s role in responding to emergencies and extreme disasters, the Secretary also proposed exploring exchanges in military engineering.

Secretary Teodoro also conveyed his appreciation for Spain’s support for the Philippines in its efforts in the South China Sea. With a view of developing maritime security cooperation, the SND expressed openness to possible port visits by Spanish Navy vessels in the future and raised the prospect of conducting Maritime Cooperative Activity. ####

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