June 2, 2024 (Singapore) — Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. on Saturday met separately with Shin Won-Sik, Minister of National Defense of South Korea, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission for a Stronger Europe in the World, and discussed regional security challenges and to deepen defense cooperation.

Secretary Teodoro told his South Korean counterpart that the Department of Defense “values the 75 years of defense and security cooperation” between Seoul and Manila.

“We look forward to the future of South Korea – Philippine relations,” the Philippine defense chief said.

This year, the two countries mark their 75th year of the diplomatic relations.

Secretary Teodoro also thanked Minister Shin for South Korea’s support to the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea issue.

Minister Shin said South Korea wants to foster stronger and forward-looking defense and security relations with the Philippines.

In his meeting with Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission for a Stronger Europe in the World, Secretary Teodoro said the Philippines needs the EU’s support in multilateral forums.

In return, High Representative Fontelles told Secretary Teodoro that the EU is willing to extend assistance to the Philippines in areas such as maritime security and cybersecurity.

“We have to do more in this part of the world. Let us do more than courtesy visits,” Fontelles said.

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