DND chief pushes deeper reg'l defense cooperation

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. pressed for deeper and more coordinated regional defense cooperation in a series of high-level meetings with his United States, Singaporean, and Timor Leste counterparts on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, Oct. 31.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

In their bilateral meeting, Teodoro and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth agreed to fast-track key defense priorities under the Philippines-US alliance.

Teodoro and Singapore's Minister for Defense Chan Chun Sing reaffirmed the growing partnership between Manila and Singapore.

Teodoro also moved quickly to formalize defense ties with Timor-Leste, the newest member of the ASEAN, following a meeting with Timor-Leste Minister of Defense Rear Admiral Donaciano do Rosario da Costa Gomes.

In his meeting with Hegseth, Teodoro underscored the importance of aligning military priorities and enhancing joint capabilities between Philippine and American forces in the next two years.