PH, Sweden discuss South China Sea issue, security challenges

Security challenges, including the South China issue, have been discussed during the courtesy call of Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson at the Department of National Defense (DND).

In a statement on Thursday, the DND said Undersecretary Irineo Espino met with Knutsson on January 26 and tackled climate change, the Ukraine war, cross-strait tensions, and the South China Sea issue. 

“Both sides looked forward to developing a long-term bilateral cooperation, underscoring the importance of upholding the rules-based international order and strengthening security ties between like-minded countries,” the DND said.

During the meeting, Knutsson also presented Sweden’s cost-effective materiel, primarily its aircraft, as he showcased the country’s strong defense industry to counter threats.

Espino expressed DND’s interest in cooperating with Sweden in terms of technology transfer as well as in research and development, among others, to protect the Philippines’ sovereignty.

Philippines and Sweden also both acknowledged the urgency of addressing cybersecurity threats.

“In relation to defense capability development, the Philippine and Swedish sides also discussed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Cooperation in the Acquisition of Defense Materiel, updates on the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and funding requirements, and the Philippine procurement law,” the DND said.

The January 26, 2024 meeting served as a follow-on to Espino's courtesy call on Knutsson during the Philippine official's visit to Stockholm in October 2023. –Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News