DND joins underwater infrastructure security group
MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. joined defense leaders from 16 other countries in launching a new framework aimed at strengthening cooperation in protecting critical underwater infrastructure, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Saturday.
The DND said the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defense Exchanges (Guide) was launched on the sidelines of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday.
Multilateral action
According to the department, the framework was endorsed by 17 countries from Europe, West Asia, Oceania and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and seeks to promote cooperation among defense establishments in safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure.
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The DND said Guide would encourage participating countries to share principles and practical exchanges intended to enhance the security and resilience of underwater infrastructure.
“The Philippines’ participation underscores its continued commitment to working with like-minded partners in advancing regional and global security,” the DND said in a statement.
The launch comes as governments around the world have increased attention on the protection of undersea infrastructure, including submarine communications cables and other assets critical to telecommunications, energy networks and economic activity.
The annual Shangri-La Dialogue brings together defense ministers, military officials and security experts from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to discuss security challenges and defense cooperation. INQ
