Philippines, Finland explore defense ties

The Philippines and Finland have shown interest in expanding their defense ties during a meeting between Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen on April 2.

Teodoro highlighted Finland's advanced capabilities in securing its defense supply chains due to its geography and history, while Nurminen noted Finland’s willingness to cooperate with countries upholding a rules-based international order.

Nurminen also conveyed that Nokia, a Finnish company, is interested in supporting the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (SRDP), which aims to develop domestic defense production through tax breaks and government financing.

Teodoro expressed the DND's interest in enhancing cooperation with Finland, particularly in areas related to defense supply chain management and the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

The series of diplomatic engagements came on the heels of meetings with Canadian Armed Forces Chief Jennie Carignan and Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry, as well as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, all within a week.