LITHUANIA and the Philippines discussed the possibility of holding joint military exercises, the Philippine Navy said yesterday.
Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Espeleta and visiting Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė met at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila on Tuesday and discussed “common challenges,” said Navy spokesman Capt. John Percie Alcos.
The two officials specifically discussed maritime security, cyber threats and disinformation during the meeting.
“They emphasized the increasing presence of gray zone activities in their respective regions and the importance of cooperation in safeguarding territorial integrity and critical infrastructure,” said Alcos.
Alcos said the two sides expressed appreciation for the opportunity “to strengthen defense ties and build on shared democratic values amid a rapidly evolving global security environment.”
“They also discussed possible areas for future cooperation, including joint military drills, cyber defense training, and strategic communication initiatives,” he said.
Alcos also said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation, signed by the two countries on Monday, “serves as a key step in moving these efforts forward.”
Šakalienė signed the MOU with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The Department of National Defense said the MOU provides a “concrete framework for possible defense cooperation between the two countries’ defense establishments, particularly in the field of cyber security, defense industry, munitions production cooperation, addressing hybrid threats, and maritime security.”
Alcos said the visit of Šakalienė at the Navy headquarters “reflects the Philippine Navy’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships and fostering defense cooperation with like-minded nations in pursuit of peace, security, and a rules-based international order.”
