Philippines, South Korea hold defense talks

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and South Korea on Tuesday discussed defense cooperation at the 27th joint committee meeting on logistics and defense industry cooperation held in Mandaluyong.

Discussions focused on advancing sustainment and maintenance initiatives for existing defense platforms, among others.

Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said both sides exchanged views on areas that contribute to long-term defense readiness and self-reliance.

“As the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues its modernization efforts, we appreciate the support of the Republic of Korea and continued interest of Korean defense companies in supporting the AFP modernization program,” said Defense Assistant Secretary Rene Raoul Rommel Honasan.

Honasan co-chaired the meeting with Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration Vice Minister Kim Il Dong.

South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa highlighted the continued growth of bilateral defense relations and expanding opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Representatives from the Department of National Defense, including DND Assistant Secretary Augusto Gaite, the AFP and South Korea’s Armed Forces reviewed ongoing cooperation initiatives and identified opportunities for future collaboration, in support of the AFP modernization program.