Manila, Philippines – A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Philippines and Lithuania to strengthen defense cooperation during the bilateral meeting of Lithuanian Minister for National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Manila on Monday.
The bilateral meeting aims to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, particularly in addressing the issue in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Teodoro, Lithuania’s relationship with the Philippines is important to establish and common threats, and other situational considerations.
For Sakaliene, the agreement aims to strengthen defense relations between Lithuania and the Philippines.
Including laying out a defense and security strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both countries also expressed concern over China’s continued actions in the West Philippine Sea and the Baltic Sea.
This is the official’s first visit to the Philippines, and follows Teodoro’s meeting with Sakaleine at the Shangri-la Dialogue on June 1.
The Philippines and Lithuania are set to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. – Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News