The Philippines is seeking to expand defense cooperation with NATO and European partners, the Department of National Defense said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. raised the proposal in a meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, NATO chair, on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum on Tuesday, March 24.
Manila, Philippines — The Philippines is seeking to expand defense cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European partners, the Department of National Defense said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who is pushing for greater cross-regional coordination with allied European countries, raised the proposal during a meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, NATO chair, on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Teodoro stressed the need for broader collaboration among countries facing shifting security threats. He said the Philippines is laying the groundwork for enhanced interoperability and exchanges with NATO and European Union countries. The effort is part of Manila's push to strengthen resilience and safeguard Filipinos, including those overseas. The DND said in a statement that Cavo Dragone was open to the proposal, noting the importance of sharing information and best practices as partners. The meeting builds on earlier discussions between Teodoro and the NATO official at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue, where they exchanged views on geopolitical competition and strategic stability. The latest talks signal Manila's continued efforts to expand its defense partnerships beyond the Asia-Pacific region.
