PH eyes expanded defense ties with Japan, Ukraine, Netherlands

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (File Photo: Department of National Defense – Philippines/Facebook)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippines is looking at strengthening defense cooperation with Japan, Ukraine and the Netherlands.

Over the weekend, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. held bilateral meetings with defense officials of the three nations on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

“Secretary Teodoro and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani’s meeting took place following their last engagement in Manila in February 2025, which preceded the visit to the Philippines of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last April. Secretary Teodoro expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued trust and goodwill,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Monday.

During the meeting on Sunday, Nakatani welcomed Teodoro’s retention in office and reaffirmed Japan’s desire for deeper involvement in joint exercises like “Balikatan” and “Kamandag” upon the effectivity of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement, he added.

Andolong said both sides also agreed on the importance of expanding cooperation in defense equipment production, saying this move is mutually beneficial.

“Secretary Teodoro also emphasized the need for sustained bilateral and multilateral dialogues to deter actions that undermine regional peace, and called for stronger alliances rooted in shared principles,” he added.

During his engagement with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Kozenko, Teodoro expressed admiration for the Ukrainian people’s resilience and extended prayers for their continued strength.

“Mr. Kozenko thanked the Philippines for its support to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and shared the upcoming assignment of a Ukrainian defense attaché to Manila, who will help develop bilateral defense ties,” Andolong said.

Teodoro also expressed Manila’s interest in Kiev’s technological development.

Meanwhile, Kozenko expressed interest in learning from the Philippines, especially in areas of maritime disaster response and post-trauma recovery.

Both sides remain committed to upholding international law, with Ukraine emphasizing its adherence and strict compliance with the Geneva Conventions, and openness to defense cooperation with the Philippines.

In a separate meeting with Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans, Teodoro highlighted the importance of working with resilient and like-minded partners.

He pointed out the risks posed by functional illiteracy, especially in terms of misinformation and disinformation acceptance, and expressed interest in learning from the Netherlands’ best practices in defense governance.

“Minister Brekelmans echoed support for the rules-based international order and conveyed interest in exploring joint military activities with the Philippines. Both officials extended invitations for future visits, maintaining their intent to broaden defense engagement and cooperation,” Andolong said.