Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with his counterparts from the Philippines and Norway on Saturday to discuss efforts to expand cooperation in defense and the defense industry, Seoul officials said. The talks took place on the margins of the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

According to Yonhap News Agency, in talks with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the two sides agreed to work together to identify various areas of potential cooperation based on robust exchanges between their defense authorities and militaries, Seoul's defense ministry said. Ahn also underscored Seoul's willingness to contribute to strengthening the Philippines' security capabilities and called for attention to South Korean defense companies participating in the country's military modernization efforts.

In the meeting with Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik, the two sides agreed to continue efforts to further advance their partnership, citing progress such as South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace winning a contract earlier this year to supply the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system to Norway.

Ahn also used the talks with the two counterparts to call for their support for Seoul's peace efforts toward North Korea, noting the North's growing nuclear and missile threats and its closer alignment with Russia posing a serious threat to regional security and beyond.