The Philippines and Denmark are keen on expanding ties in cyberdefense and information technology, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday.

This came following the courtesy call of Danish Ambassador to Manila Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin to DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.

“The two officials also discussed possible cooperation between the Philippines and Denmark on cyber defense and information technology, putting premium in countering disinformation and in proactively addressing threats in the information ecosystem,” the DND said in a statement.

The Danish envoy acknowledged the Philippines’ support in upholding the rules-based international order, in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Both sides looked forward to concretizing Philippines-Denmark cooperation as global security challenges persist and become more unpredictable and volatile.

Meanwhile, Teodoro also thanked Mellbin for his pronouncement of support to the rule of law, in connection with the recent Ayungin Shoal incident.

The Danish envoy, in his online statement, underscored this incident as “putting the lives of Filipino sailors at risk” and “undermines regional security.”

Mellbin said defense cooperation with the Philippines is among his priorities, as he invited the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard for a study visit in Copenhagen, to exchange insights on the law of the sea and provide inputs on Denmark’s naval, coastal, and marine defenses, technologies, and doctrines.

“Secretary Teodoro welcomed the invitation, stating that this is a good opportunity in light of current defense realities,” the DND added. (PNA)