Indonesia (November 16, 2023) – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho on the sidelines of the 10th ADMM-Plus in Jakarta last week.

Secretary Teodoro recognized that the ROK is an important partner in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. Recalling the already robust defense industry cooperation between the two countries, both sides sought to further enhance bilateral defense relations through increased training and education exchanges as well as personnel interactions at all levels.

Recognizing that the Philippines and ROK face complex challenges to peace and stability, both sides emphasized the importance of upholding a rules-based international order anchored on international law. To this end, Secretary Teodoro expressed appreciation for the ROK’s consistent support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award and Philippine position against actions which undermine the sovereignty and sovereign rights of states. He also reiterated the Philippines’ support for efforts towards durable peace on the Korean Peninsula. Along this line, Vice Minister Kim acknowledged the contribution of the Department of National Defense to the United Nations Command (UNC), a multinational command that assists in enforcing the terms of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement.

Secretary Teodoro extended an invitation for ROK Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik to visit the Philippines on a mutually convenient date in 2024. Both sides looked forward to deepening defense cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.