The Philippines is looking to collaborate with Vietnam and United Kingdom to further boost the country's defense and security, the Department of National Defense (DND) bared on Saturday, February 24.
This, as Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh and UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to the Philippines Richard Graham at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City recently.
During their meeting on Friday, February 23, Teodoro and Lai saw opportunities for further collaboration in the field of defense and security, particularly on intelligence exchanges, cyber security, counter-terrorism, and maritime security among others.
Teodoro also expressed concerns over security developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and welcomed support from Vietnam in upholding rules-based international order and adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Both the Philippines and Vietnam have competing claims in the South China Sea although the two countries have resolved their issues rather peacefully.
Meanwhile, Teodoro discussed with Graham their countries' shared security challenges, including the South China Sea, and potential avenues for collaboration in defense and investment during their meeting last Monday, February 19.
The DND said that both sides have expressed interest in exploring joint ventures with British investors and other forms of cooperation to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In January, President Marcos approved the "Re-Horizon 3", a P2 trillion updated acquisition plan for the AFP which will focus on the acquisition of capabilities ranging from domain awareness, connectivity, intelligence capabilities or C4iSTAR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, targeting acquisition and reconnaissance), and area denial and deterrence capabilities on the maritime and aerial domains.
Graham echoed the UK government's "desire for closer defense ties" with the Philippines, citing current global climate and geopolitical concerns.
He also reaffirmed the UK's commitment to collaborating with allies and partners such as the Philippines under the "Protect, Align, and Engage" framework outlined in the 2023 Integrated Review Refresh, the UK's national security and international strategy document.