DND proposes defense, security industry opportunities with EU

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday said it proposed greenfield opportunities in defense and security industries with the European Union (EU).

In a statement, the DND said Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. made the proposal during the courtesy call of Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts at the department on Tuesday.

“As a way to advance overall bilateral cooperation, Secretary Teodoro proposed greenfield opportunities in various industries, particularly in defense and security, with the Netherlands and the EU,” the DND said.

Geraedts reiterated the proposal on establishing naval defense industry cooperation with the Philippines that, she said, has strategic and economic advantages in the long term.

Teodoro seconded the proposal, according to the DND.

“Secretary Teodoro agreed and further proposed to develop broader defense cooperation, taking into consideration the importance of other areas such as cyber and artificial intelligence, as well as the Netherlands’ potential to become a partner in these areas,” the DND said.

Teodoro also shared to Geraedts the recalibration of the Philippines’ defense strategy, which shifts its focus to territorial and external defense.

He also underscored the development of a credible defense posture to protect the Philippines’ interests in its exclusive economic zone.

Aside from Geraedts, also present during the courtesy call was Lieutenant Colonel Dick Alssema, the Tokyo-based Dutch Non-Resident Defense Attaché to the Philippines. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News