The Department of National Defense expressed support for Japan’s expansion of its defense and security cooperation with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

This came after DND Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga led the Philippine delegation during the 14th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum (DVMF) on February 11, 2025, in Fukuoka, Japan.

In a statement on Thursday, Andolong said the DND’s attendance at the forum was "pursuant to the directive" of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “to strengthen the country’s collaboration with partner nations.”

The high-level engagement, hosted by Japanese Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Kano Koji, was attended by Vice-Ministerial representatives from eight other ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The DVMF is a platform initiated by Japan and annually hosted by the Japanese Ministry of Defense “to expand and elevate its defense and security cooperation with ASEAN member states.”

It aims to achieve a shared vision for the future of the Indo-Pacific region.

This year's iteration of the forum centered on key achievements and prospects for further cooperation under the Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defense Cooperation, or "JASMINE," which sets the direction of Japan's practical cooperation with ASEAN defense institutions in niche areas such as maritime security, air domain awareness, cybersecurity, climate responses, and the emerging area of space.

During the forum, Madriaga recognized Japan's unwavering commitment to advancing defense and security cooperation with ASEAN, emphasizing Japan's positive contributions to ASEAN's capacity-building under JASMINE.

“These serve to complement practical initiatives under ASEAN-led regional mechanisms, particularly the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus,” Madriaga said.

The DND official recognized fundamental shifts in the security environment and the evolving character of security challenges.

He then expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for Japan's proactive role in fostering a free, stable, resilient, and prosperous region.

Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to working with ASEAN and Japan toward practical solutions to persisting and emerging security concerns.

On the sidelines, Madriaga met with counterparts from Japan and Singapore to review the progress of the two countries’ bilateral defense and security cooperation with the Philippines, as well as discuss the future direction of cooperation within the ASEAN defense sector.