The growing partnership and defense ties between the Philippines and Japan were further strengthened following the meeting of its top defense leaders Friday.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and 11th ADMM Plus in Vientiane, Laos.

In a statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the meeting between the two defense chiefs reinforced growing defense ties between the two nations.

Teodoro expressed optimism about further cooperation under Nakatani’s leadership.

“During the meeting, Secretary Teodoro pushed for deeper defense industry collaboration, including joint production and technology transfers, following the recent signing of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act,” Andolong said.

Teodoro likewise welcomed working with Japan alongside other like-minded partners, underscoring the shared commitment to peace and security.

“He (Teodoro) invited Minister Nakatani to visit the Philippines next year, further solidifying the strong partnership between the two nations,” Andolong noted.

“He (Nakatani) also conveyed confidence that under Secretary Teodoro’s leadership, the relationship between Japan and the Philippines will remain robust and enduring,” Andolong added.

The 18th ADMM opened on Nov. 20 under the theme “ASEAN Together for Peace, Security and Resilience.”

The ASEAN Defense Ministers also held informal meetings and participated in commemorative ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations and 35th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relations. (PNA)