NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippines And Lithuania Deepen Defense Ties Through New Cooperation Agreement
Photo credit: DND
In a move that signals growing international defense collaboration, the Philippines and Lithuania have formalized their expanding security partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation.
The agreement was signed today in Manila by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Lithuanian Minister for National Defense, Hon. Dovilė Šakalienė. This marks a milestone in bilateral relations and underlines the Marcos administration’s efforts to build stronger ties with like-minded nations.
This newly signed MOU lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation between the two countries’ defense establishments. It opens doors for joint efforts in several strategic areas—including cybersecurity, defense industry collaboration, munitions production, countering hybrid threats, and maritime security.
Minister Šakalienė’s visit, her first official trip to the Philippines and the first ever by a Lithuanian defense chief, underscores the significance both countries place on broadening defense engagements. Her arrival follows initial talks with Secretary Teodoro earlier this month at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Ahead of the formal signing, the two defense leaders engaged in a substantive exchange of views on current global and regional security issues. Topics included the situation in the West Philippine Sea and broader developments in the South China Sea, as well as security challenges in Europe. Both reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding international law and resisting unilateral actions that undermine regional peace and stability.
Lithuania, a consistent advocate for rules-based international order, reiterated its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines. The Baltic state also expressed solidarity with the Philippines amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, reflecting a common stance against coercive and destabilizing actions.
With this agreement now in place, both countries are positioned to transform shared strategic interests into tangible defense cooperation—strengthening not only their bilateral ties but also contributing to a broader network of international security partnerships.
The agreement was signed today in Manila by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Lithuanian Minister for National Defense, Hon. Dovilė Šakalienė. This marks a milestone in bilateral relations and underlines the Marcos administration’s efforts to build stronger ties with like-minded nations.
This newly signed MOU lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation between the two countries’ defense establishments. It opens doors for joint efforts in several strategic areas—including cybersecurity, defense industry collaboration, munitions production, countering hybrid threats, and maritime security.
Minister Šakalienė’s visit, her first official trip to the Philippines and the first ever by a Lithuanian defense chief, underscores the significance both countries place on broadening defense engagements. Her arrival follows initial talks with Secretary Teodoro earlier this month at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Ahead of the formal signing, the two defense leaders engaged in a substantive exchange of views on current global and regional security issues. Topics included the situation in the West Philippine Sea and broader developments in the South China Sea, as well as security challenges in Europe. Both reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding international law and resisting unilateral actions that undermine regional peace and stability.
Lithuania, a consistent advocate for rules-based international order, reiterated its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines. The Baltic state also expressed solidarity with the Philippines amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, reflecting a common stance against coercive and destabilizing actions.
With this agreement now in place, both countries are positioned to transform shared strategic interests into tangible defense cooperation—strengthening not only their bilateral ties but also contributing to a broader network of international security partnerships.
Jun 30, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
