South Korea and the Philippines are eyeing stronger cooperation in the defense industry, the Philippine military said on Tuesday.

The development came after Korea's Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee San-Hwa, met with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday at AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Brawner said the Philippines remains adamant about partnering with its allies and partners to achieve common shared interests.

"We are indeed very honored that you came to visit us. This goes to show the importance and value that you give to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the relationship of our armed forces," Brawner told Lee during their meeting.

Meanwhile, Lee emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among like-minded nations.

He said South Korea is "keen on more contributions" to the Philippines' endeavors to promote a "free" Indo-Pacific region.

"Defense industry cooperation goes deeper. It should be based on long-held trust. We are confident that there will be a stronger collaboration," he added.

Lee also highlighted the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and South Korea.

Lee met with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in August to discuss his country's assistance to the Philippines, particularly in addressing issues related to internal security, natural calamities, and capacity-building of the AFP.

The Department of National Defense said the Korean government has expressed willingness to further expand their business ventures in Mindanao, following the declaration of some areas in the country as being "free from the insurgency problem."