Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will be representing the Philippines at the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus which will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, held from Oct. 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Secretary Teodoro’s participation underscores the Philippines’ continued commitment to advancing regional cooperation and collective security under the President’s leadership,’ the DND said in a statement on Thursday.
The ADMM and ADMM-Plus serve as key platforms for dialogue and practical cooperation among ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to promote regional peace, stability, and resilience amid evolving security challenges.
In line with the 15th Founding Anniversary of the ADMM-Plus, Teodoro will deliver remarks highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening multilateral defense cooperation and promoting the rules-based international order in the region.
The DND chief will also participate in the Chairship Handover Ceremony, during which Malaysia will formally turn over the ADMM and ADMM-Plus Chairship to the Philippines.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Teodoro is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts to further enhance defense cooperation and partnerships.