1-2-2024 (MANILA) The Department of National Defense (DND) revealed on Thursday that the governments of the Philippines and Sweden engaged in discussions concerning security matters, particularly tensions in the South China Sea.
Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Jan Knutsson, held talks with Defense Undersecretary Irineo Espino, covering a range of issues including climate change, the conflict in Ukraine, and cross-strait tensions.
According to the DND, both sides expressed a mutual interest in fostering long-term bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the significance of upholding the rules-based international order and bolstering security ties among like-minded nations.
During the meeting, Knutsson showcased Sweden’s cost-effective military materials and equipment, with a particular focus on its aircraft capabilities. In response, Espino conveyed the DND’s openness to exploring collaboration in technology transfer, research, and development.
The urgency of addressing security threats in the ever-evolving cyber domain was also emphasized by both officials.
Moreover, discussions encompassed the implementation of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the acquisition of defense materiel, along with updates on the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
In a related development, during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent state visit to Hanoi, the Philippines and Vietnam inked memoranda of understanding on incident prevention and management in the South China Sea, as well as on cooperation between their respective coast guards.
