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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
March 27, 2026 | 12:00am
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro (third from L) and a Philippine delegation meet with NATO officials on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum on Tuesday, March 24, in Paris, France.
DND / Released
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is pushing for broader defense cooperation with European nations at the ongoing 2026 Paris Defense and Strategy Forum in France.
Eyeing cross-regional convergence in the defense and military domains, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. engaged in a meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chair of the military committee on Tuesday.
During the conversation, the Philippines underscored the need for broader cooperation among countries as challenges to global security and stability continuously evolve.
Teodoro discussed how the Philippines is presently laying the groundwork for enhanced interoperability and exchanges with the European Union and NATO countries, underpinned by the country’s duty to strengthen its resilience and protect the welfare of Filipinos wherever they may be in the world.
Cavo Dragone, for his part, affirmed NATO’s willingness to pursue cooperation with the Philippines as both officials acknowledged the importance of sharing of information and best practices as inter-regional partners converge to mitigate the threats to the prevailing international order.
The two officials earlier met at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue last September, where they shared views during a panel discussion on geopolitical competition and restoring strategic stability.
Meanwhile, at the Philippine Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados welcomed Tim Cahill, president and senior executive of American air defense firm Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in a courtesy call also on Tuesday.
Cahill presented Lockheed MFC’s cutting-edge systems and advanced missile and sensor technologies, which can enhance the effectiveness of assets used in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Balikatan exercises.
The Philippine Army said it is “steadfast in its stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.”
