Manila, Oct. 31 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday met with his Malaysian counterpart, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus, set from Friday to Saturday.

"During the meeting, both officials discussed preparations for the Philippines' ASEAN chairship in 2026 and the conduct of the Trilateral Ministerial Meeting among the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia next year," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday night.

Teodoro expressed his appreciation to Khaled and the Malaysian government for their hospitality.

He also reaffirmed the Philippines' commi...