The Philippines is exploring possible peacekeeping and defense industry cooperation with Germany as part of efforts to expand its security ties with friendly nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) has said.

This was after DND Undersecretary for Defense Affairs Angelito De Leon met with German Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office, Florian Hahn on Jan. 20, the agency said in a media release late Thursday night.

“Both sides explored potential training opportunities for peacekeeping operations and collaboration in the defense industry, aligning with the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program and Germany’s experience on defense technology,” the DND said.

The two officials also discussed bilateral cooperation under the Philippines-Germany Arrangement concerning Defence Cooperation, which was signed in Berlin last May. This expanded the scope of bilateral defense partnership between the two countries.

“The two sides underscored that the Philippines and Germany share a common interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and a rules-based international order. Undersecretary De Leon also expressed appreciation for Germany’s support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” the DND added.

And with Hahn’s first visit to the Philippines, the German delegation highlighted the importance of engaging with the Philippines as the country is serving as ASEAN chair for this year. (PNA)