Top leaders of the Philippine and South Korean armies met in Seoul earlier this week for “high-level talks,” further solidifying the defense ties between the two nations, the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday.

According to PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, the meeting between PA chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, and Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) chief of staff, Gen. Kim Gyu-Ha, took place on Oct. 21 at the sidelines of a six-day event.

“Their engagement further solidified the PA’s defense ties with ROKA that can contribute to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific Region,” Dema-ala said in a statement.

Nafarrete was in South Korea to attend the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX), slated Oct. 18 to 23, and featured drone warfare and advanced integrated systems critical to modern conflicts.

Present during the event were military leaders, industry experts and innovators from around the world to discuss and demonstrate the future of military operations.

Dema-ala said Nafarrete’s participation in ADEX “underscored the PA’s proactive approach to adapting to the fast-evolving regional and global defense landscape.”

Nafarrete’s attendance, Dema-ala added, also highlights the PA’s commitment to integrate modern capabilities into its ground force, equip and develop its human capital, and strengthen land defense as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ thrust in Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations. (PNA)