Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro,, Jr. met Her Excellency Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Philippines, during her courtesy call at the Department of National Defense .
As a way to advance overall bilateral cooperation, Secretary Teodoro proposed greenfield opportunities in various industries, particularly in defense and security, with the Netherlands and the European Union, DND Public Affair Service Director Usec ArsenioAndolong disclosed.
Noting the Philippines’ recent adoption of the National Security Policy 2023-2028, the Dutch Ambassador reiterated the proposal on establishing naval defense industry cooperation with the Philippines, underscoring its strategic and economic advantages in the long term.
Secretary Teodoro agreed and further proposed to develop broader defense cooperation, taking into consideration the importance of other areas such as cyber and artificial intelligence, as well as the Netherland’s potential to become a partner in these areas. Director Andolong added.
Relatedly, the SND shared about the recalibration of the Philippines’ defense strategy, which sees a shift in favor of territorial and external defense, and underscores the development of a credible defense posture that will effectively protect Philippine interests in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Joining Ambassador Geraedts was Lt. Col. Dick Alssema, the Tokyo-based Dutch Non-Resident Defense Attaché to the Philippines, who was also visiting Manila.
