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DND chief reaffirms PH commitment to regional peace, stability

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
October 31, 2025, 10:15 am

MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday met with his Malaysian counterpart, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus, set from Friday to Saturday.

"During the meeting, both officials discussed preparations for the Philippines' ASEAN chairship in 2026 and the conduct of the Trilateral Ministerial Meeting among the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia next year," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday night.

Teodoro expressed his appreciation to Khaled and the Malaysian government for their hospitality.

He also reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to advancing regional peace and stability through ASEAN and trilateral mechanisms.

"Both sides also recognized the importance of sustaining the Philippines-Malaysia defense partnership under the 1994 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, which serves as the foundation for ongoing bilateral activities, including training exchanges, maritime cooperation, and the Combined Committee on Defense Cooperation," Andolong said.

The Malaysian defense chief also conveyed his best wishes to the Philippines as it prepares to assume the ADMM chairship in 2026.

Teodoro's participation in the 19th ADMM and 12th ADMM-Plus, in Malaysia, follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held in Kuala Lumpur from Oct. 26 to 28.

"Secretary Teodoro's participation underscores the Philippines' continued commitment to advancing regional cooperation and collective security under the President's leadership," Andolong said.

He added that the ADMM and ADMM-Plus serve as key platforms for dialogue and practical cooperation among ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to promote regional peace, stability, and resilience amid evolving security challenges.

"In line with the 15th Founding Anniversary of the ADMM-Plus, Secretary Teodoro will deliver remarks highlighting the Philippines' commitment to strengthening multilateral defense cooperation and promoting the rules-based international order in the region," the DND spokesperson said.

On the sidelines of these meetings, Andolong said Teodoro is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts to enhance defense cooperation and partnerships further. (PNA)