Teodoro to join Seoul Defense Dialogue, meet South Korean defense chief

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will participate in the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2026 in South Korea from 7 to 9 September, where he is set to deliver remarks on international security and hold bilateral talks with his South Korean counterpart.

Teodoro will speak during the first plenary session, “Collaborative Architecture for International Stability,” marking his second consecutive appearance at the annual forum after attending in 2025.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, Teodoro is scheduled to meet South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyuback to discuss areas of mutual interest and further strengthen defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea.

The Department of National Defense said the two countries share longstanding defense ties dating back to the Korean War, when Filipino troops served alongside United Nations forces.

DND Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said Teodoro’s participation reflects the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening defense partnerships, advancing regional cooperation and promoting a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific.

The Seoul Defense Dialogue, hosted annually by South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, brings together defense ministers, senior officials, military leaders and security experts to discuss regional and global security concerns.