The Philippines and New Zealand reaffirmed further strengthening of defense cooperation at the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Vientiane, Laos on Wednesday.

In that event, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins to discuss shared security concerns and avenues for collaboration.

“Secretary Teodoro underscored the importance of a rules-based international order to promote peace and stability in the region. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to address security challenges, particularly those stemming from non-state actors, which he noted are affecting not only the Philippines but other countries as well,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday.

Collins expressed New Zealand’s concern over developments in the West Philippine Sea, where she offered her country’s support to the Philippines.

She cited the strong relationship between Manila and Wellington and their shared interest in regional security and cooperation.

“Both officials acknowledged the growing importance of collaboration in addressing non-traditional security threats, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). Secretary Teodoro welcomed engagements in this area, stating that ‘we need it now more than ever’,” Andolong said.

Pact on defense cooperation

During the ADMM, Teodoro and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Chansamone Chanyalath led the ceremonial signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Laos.

“Secretary Teodoro underscored the shared challenges faced by both countries, such as natural disasters, and the potential for mutual learning and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of fostering trust and confidence between their armed forces, describing the cooperation as a step toward ‘a more fraternal ASEAN’,” Andolong said.

Under the MOU, the two nations will work on areas such as HADR, disaster risk reduction, joint military training and English language and cultural exchanges. (PNA)