Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday met with Canada’s Deputy Minister of National Defense, Stefanie Beck, at the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) in South Korea.

In a statement, the DND said the meeting “reaffirmed the strong and growing defense partnership between the Philippines and Canada,” and ended with a mutual commitment to advance bilateral defense cooperation.

“During the meeting, both officials acknowledged progress in ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the proposed Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, maritime security cooperation, cybersecurity collaboration, and defense capacity-building,” the DND said.

Teodoro welcomed Canada’s increased engagement in regional security, highlighting its participation in recent multilateral maritime activities alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force.

He also cited the two countries’ continued cooperation in the field of cybersecurity as a key area of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, Beck reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with the Philippines across multiple domains and highlighted Canada’s readiness to support efforts that enhance regional security and uphold the rule of law.

The DND said the two officials also emphasized the importance of working with like-minded partners to preserve the rules-based international order and address emerging security challenges in the region.

Teodoro, Beck, and other ranking defense officials are in Seoul to take part in the SDD and for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command in South Korea set on Sept. 8 to 9. (PNA)