Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will join other defense and military leaders in tackling major security concerns at the 22nd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30 to June 1.

“Secretary Teodoro, together with senior officials from the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is scheduled to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday.

He added that these engagements aim to discuss regional and global security issues and strengthen defense and security cooperation with allies.

“Building on the keynote address delivered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at last year’s Dialogue, Secretary Teodoro’s participation underscored the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and sustained peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region through open dialogue and strategic partnerships,” Andolong added.

The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue brings together defense ministers, military chiefs, and strategic experts to tackle pressing security challenges and reinforce regional cooperation. (PNA)