7-9 September 2026, SEOUL — Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. represented the Philippines at the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2026, joining senior defense officials, policymakers, and security experts from around the world in exchanging views on pressing regional and global security challenges.

Speaking during the first plenary session, “Collaborative Architecture for International Stability,” Secretary Teodoro reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international law and a rules-based international order, including adherence to UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. He likewise emphasized the value of cooperation among partners in advancing peace, stability, and security, and underscored the need for an international security architecture that places human security at its core.

On the sidelines of the Dialogue, Secretary Teodoro held bilateral meetings with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back and United Nations Command/United States Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, among other engagements. Discussions focused on further strengthening the Philippines–ROK Strategic Partnership, particularly in defense cooperation, modernization, military exchanges, interoperability, emerging security domains, and regional security. Senior Philippine defense officials likewise took part in bilateral engagements and in the SDD Space Security and Cyber Working Groups.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, supported the participation and official engagements of Secretary Teodoro and the Philippine delegation throughout the visit. The Philippines and the Republic of Korea continue to deepen the defense and security pillar of our Strategic Partnership through sustained dialogue, practical cooperation, and closer exchanges. END