Gibo off to Seoul for defense dialogue

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. will fly to South Korea next week to participate in the 2026 Seoul Defense Dialogue – an activity that is expected to further boost defense relations.

Teodoro is set to deliver remarks during the three-day event’s Plenary Session 1 on “Collaborative Architecture for International Stability.” This is Teodoro’s second consecutive participation in the dialogue following his attendance last year.

On the sidelines of the event, Teodoro will hold a bilateral meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back to discuss areas of mutual interest and further strengthen the defense and security partnership between the two nations.

The Philippines and South Korea share longstanding defense ties forged during the Korean War, when Filipino soldiers served alongside United Nations forces.

Teodoro’s participation in this year’s dialogue underscores the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening defense partnerships, advancing regional cooperation and promoting a peaceful, secure and stable Indo-Pacific, in line with President Marcos’ directive to advance the country’s defense engagements.

Hosted annually by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, the dialogue is a premier multilateral security forum that brings together defense ministers and other leaders  to discuss pressing regional and global security concerns.