Manila: The Philippines is actively seeking to forge new peacekeeping and defense industry collaborations with Germany, as part of its strategic initiative to broaden security partnerships with allied nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced.

According to Philippines News Agency, this development follows a meeting between DND Undersecretary for Defense Affairs Angelito De Leon and German Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office, Florian Hahn, on January 20. The DND, in a media release on Thursday night, highlighted that both parties are considering potential training opportunities for peacekeeping operations and cooperation in the defense sector. This aligns with the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program and leverages Germany's expertise in defense technology.

The meeting also touched on the bilateral cooperation framework established under the Philippines-Germany Arrangement concerning Defence Cooperation, signed in Berlin last May. This agreement has significantly broadened the bilateral defense partnership between the two countries.

Furthermore, both nations emphasized their shared interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and upholding a rules-based international order. Undersecretary De Leon conveyed gratitude for Germany's support of the Philippines' candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Hahn's inaugural visit to the Philippines underscored Germany's commitment to engaging with the Philippines, especially considering its role as ASEAN chair this year.