PARIS, France – The Philippines is advocating for increased cooperation across regions in the defense and military sectors. Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the Military Committee (CMC) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum (PDSF) to discuss these initiatives.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized the growing need for international collaboration to tackle evolving global security challenges. He stated that the Philippines is actively preparing to enhance interoperability and exchanges with the European Union and NATO countries, driven by the nation's commitment to strengthening its resilience and safeguarding the well-being of Filipinos worldwide.
NATO Affirms Willingness to Cooperate with the Philippines
Admiral Cavo Dragone expressed NATO's readiness to collaborate with the Philippines. Both officials recognized the significance of sharing information and best practices as inter-regional partners work together to mitigate threats to the current international order.
The meeting builds upon a previous engagement between Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Cavo Dragone at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue in September. During a panel discussion, they exchanged views on geopolitical competition and strategies for restoring strategic stability.
Philippines Prioritizes Enhanced Interoperability and Exchanges
Secretary Teodoro highlighted the importance of countries working together to address increasingly complex threats. The Philippines' initiative to enhance interoperability with European Union and NATO countries demonstrates its commitment to a collaborative approach to security.
The Department of National Defense (DND) views enhanced security cooperation as crucial for the Philippines to protect its interests and its citizens, especially in a rapidly changing global landscape. This includes adapting to new technologies and security strategies, as well as strengthening relationships with key international partners.
Shared Information and Best Practices Key to Mitigating Threats
The discussion between Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Cavo Dragone underscored the value of sharing information and best practices between the Philippines and NATO. Both sides acknowledged that by working together, they can improve their ability to identify and respond to potential threats.
This sentiment reflects a broader trend toward greater international cooperation on security matters, with countries recognizing that many of the challenges they face are transnational in nature and require a coordinated response.
Previous Engagement at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue
The meeting at the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum follows up on discussions that began at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue. This continuity indicates a sustained interest on both sides in developing a stronger security partnership.
The Seoul Defense Dialogue provided a platform for Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Cavo Dragone to explore areas of mutual interest and to lay the groundwork for future collaboration. Their subsequent meeting in Paris suggests that these initial conversations have led to concrete steps toward closer cooperation.
Potential Areas of Cooperation Between the Philippines and NATO
While the specific details of potential cooperation between the Philippines and NATO were not disclosed, several areas could be explored. These include joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, and assistance with cybersecurity.
The Philippines could also benefit from NATO's expertise in areas such as maritime security and counter-terrorism. By working together, the two sides can enhance their ability to address a wide range of security challenges.
The Philippines' Commitment to Strengthening Resilience
Secretary Teodoro emphasized the Philippines' commitment to strengthening its resilience in the face of global security challenges. This includes investing in its own defense capabilities, as well as working with international partners to enhance its security.
The Philippines recognizes that it cannot address all of its security challenges alone. By working with allies and partners, the country can improve its ability to deter aggression and protect its interests.
Protecting the Welfare of Filipinos Worldwide
A key motivation for the Philippines' pursuit of enhanced security cooperation is the desire to protect the welfare of Filipinos worldwide. With millions of Filipinos living and working abroad, the government has a responsibility to ensure their safety and security.
By working with international partners, the Philippines can improve its ability to respond to crises that may affect Filipinos living abroad, such as natural disasters or political instability.
Importance of a Rules-Based International Order
Both Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Cavo Dragone acknowledged the importance of upholding a rules-based international order. This principle is fundamental to maintaining peace and stability in the world.
The Philippines and NATO share a commitment to respecting international law and to resolving disputes peacefully. By working together, they can help to promote a more just and stable world order.
Looking Ahead: Continued Dialogue and Collaboration
The meeting between Secretary Teodoro and Admiral Cavo Dragone signals the beginning of a potentially fruitful security partnership between the Philippines and NATO. Both sides have expressed a strong interest in continued dialogue and collaboration.
In the coming months and years, it is likely that the Philippines and NATO will explore specific areas of cooperation and will work to develop concrete initiatives that will enhance their mutual security.
This collaboration aligns with the Philippines' broader efforts to strengthen its relationships with key international partners and to play a more active role in promoting regional and global security. It reflects a recognition that in an increasingly interconnected world, cooperation is essential for addressing shared challenges.
Photo credit: Photo from DND.gov.ph