Philippine defense chief meets with counterparts to boost cooperation

Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with his counterparts from Lithuania, Canada, and New Zealand on Saturday to enhance defense and security cooperation during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas offered cybersecurity training to the Philippines and invited Lithuanian shipping companies to tap Filipino seafarers, known for their skills. Teodoro directed officials to explore a memorandum of understanding for defense cooperation with Lithuania.

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair praised the Philippines' alliances with countries like the US, Japan, and South Korea, emphasizing Canada's long-standing friendly relations in the Indo-Pacific region.

New Zealand's Defense Minister Judith Anne Collins expressed concern about developments in the West Philippine Sea, stressing her country's engagement in the region. Both ministers discussed potential cooperation in engineering and logistics.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue for the first time as keynote speaker on Friday night, discussed the Philippines' legal and geopolitical positions in the WPS.