Manila: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with his counterparts from Singapore and Australia at the Shangri-La Dialogue, acting on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen defense relations. Teodoro emphasized the Philippines’ dedication to enhancing strategic defense partnerships in the region through increased interoperability, joint training, and improved logistical cooperation.
According to Philippines News Agency, in his meeting with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing, the two leaders stressed the importance of reinforcing defense cooperation through enhanced training engagements. Teodoro pointed out the Philippines’ vast training areas suitable for urban and airborne exercises and expressed a keen interest in learning from Singapore’s experience with the C-130J aircraft, particularly in terms of maintenance and cost-efficiency.
Chan responded positively to the proposals, inviting Philippine special forces to train in Singapore. He also showed interest in reciprocal opportunities for Singapore Armed Forces troops in the Philippines and discussed expanding collaboration in navigation flights; maintenance, repair, and overhaul; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).
In a separate meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles, Teodoro echoed the same commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. He acknowledged the increasing momentum in trilateral defense engagements with Australia and the United States. Marles lauded the evolving defense relationship and emphasized the importance of transforming longstanding people-to-people connections into a robust strategic and defense partnership. He also welcomed ongoing maritime cooperation.
Teodoro proposed hosting the second Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting, to be held concurrently with Exercise ALON involving Philippine and Australian forces. The bilateral discussions concluded with a mutual commitment to fostering regional stability, enhancing defense cooperation, and exploring new collaboration opportunities in logistics, HADR, personnel exchanges, and capability development.
