Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

ADMM-Plus triggers ROK-Philippines Defense Ministers meeting

—Agreement to strengthen national defense and defense industrial cooperation as a shared-value country—

On November 22 (Tue), Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup met with Philippine Secretary of Defense Jose C. Faustino Jr. during the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM-Plus) in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and discussed key issues between the two countries, including the regional security environment.

Secretary Faustino expressed serious concern about the recent security situation on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing that North Korea's serial ballistic missile launches are reckless actions that the Philippines condemns, and that North Korea must fulfill its obligations to the international community.

Minister Lee responded by thanking the Philippines for its stance and emphasizing the importance of a united response through solidarity and cooperation with ASEAN countries, as President Yoon Suk Yeol stressed at the ASEAN-ROK summit. Curbing North Korea's provocations is significant, as they seriously undermine peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the World, as well as the Korean Peninsula.