Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense minister meets with Philippines’ defense minister

Defense ministers of ROK and the Philippines discuss ways to expand the ROK’s role in modernizing the Philippines military

On the morning of Friday, June 3, Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup met with his Philippines counterpart Delfin N. Lorenzana, and discussed ways to advance bilateral cooperation in areas of national defense and the arms industry.

During the meeting, Lorenzana clarified his wish to continue expanding bilateral cooperation in the area of the arms industry, expressing his thanks for the Republic of Korea’s (ROK)　great contribution to modernizing the Philippines military.

The two ministers shared the assessment that the Philippines and the ROK have maintained an important cooperative partnership, helping each other and solidifying friendship and trust at a time when mutual cooperation is needed.

The ministers also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the area of maritime security, citing the fact that the ROK’s Maritime Corps plans to take part in the Marine Corps combined exercise slated to be hosted by the Philippines in October for the first time, and the naval forces of the two countries plan to take part in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) scheduled for June.