PH, Lithuania step up security ties with defense cooperation pact

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines and Lithuania have formally advanced their bilateral defense partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation during a ceremony held in Makati City.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Lithuanian Minister for National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė signed the agreement, which outlines areas of future collaboration between the two countries, including cybersecurity, maritime security, munitions production, hybrid threats, and the defense industry.

“This is a significant milestone that signals our intent to build a forward-looking and resilient defense relationship,” said Teodoro. “We are working toward stronger cooperation in a rapidly evolving security environment.”

The MOU builds on earlier talks between the two officials, including a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last June 1.

Šakalienė is currently on a four-day official visit, the first ever by a Lithuanian defense minister to the Philippines. During their meeting, Teodoro and Šakalienė also discussed regional security developments, including the West Philippine Sea, the broader South China Sea, and European defense challenges.

Both sides underscored their shared commitment to international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling, and opposed unilateral actions that undermine regional stability.

“Lithuania stands in solidarity with the Philippines, Šakalienė said, reaffirming her country’s support for the rules-based international order and freedom of navigation,” the official said.

The signing reflects the Marcos administration’s continuing push to expand defense partnerships amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.