What did Korea and the Philippines agree on during the defense ministers’ meeting in Seoul?

The two ministers said the two countries have built trust over a prolonged period and vowed to expand cooperation in various sectors. They specifically pointed to personnel exchanges and joint drills as areas for broader cooperation.

Why did Ahn Gyu-back ask the Philippines to support Korean defense companies?

Ahn underscored the quality of Korean weapons systems and asked for support for Korean companies participating in the Philippine military modernization project. The request was tied to a broader push to strengthen defense-sector cooperation under a bilateral agreement reached at a summit in March.

How did the Philippine defense minister respond to Korea’s defense cooperation push?

Teodoro highly evaluated the Korean arms industry and said he hoped for greater bilateral cooperation in the defense sector in the future. He also expressed support for Seoul’s efforts to pursue peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.

Defense chiefs of Korea, Philippines discuss expanding arms cooperation

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Summary

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro in Seoul on Monday to discuss regional security and ways to expand bilateral arms cooperation. The two sides said Korea and the Philippines have built trust over a long period and vowed to widen cooperation in personnel exchanges and joint drills. Ahn also asked for support for Korean companies involved in the Philippine military modernization project, and Teodoro praised the Korean arms industry.

Key Facts

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue, which began earlier in the day.
The ministers said they would expand cooperation in personnel exchanges and joint drills.
Ahn said the Korean government was working to ensure peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula in coordination with the international community, and Teodoro expressed support for that effort.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 7, 2026 8:44 pm KST

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, take part in an event in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of defense ministry

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with his Philippine counterpart on Monday to discuss regional security issues and ways to boost bilateral arms cooperation, Seoul's defense ministry said.

Ahn's meeting with Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro was held on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue that began earlier in the day.

The two ministers assessed that Korea and the Philippines have continued to build trust for a prolonged period and vowed to expand cooperation in various sectors, including in personnel exchanges and joint drills.

The two ministers also vowed to strengthen cooperation in the defense sector by building on an agreement reached at a bilateral summit of their leaders held in March.

Notably, Ahn underscored the excellence of Korean weapons systems, while requesting support for Korean companies taking part in the modernization project of the Philippine military.

Teodoro highly evaluated the Korean arms industry and expressed hope for increased bilateral cooperation in the defense sector in the future.

Ahn explained that the Korean government was pushing to ensure peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula in coordination with the international community, and the Philippine minister expressed support for Seoul's efforts, the ministry said.

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