Manila, Jan. 23 -- The Philippines is exploring possible peacekeeping and defense industry cooperation with Germany as part of efforts to expand its security ties with friendly nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) has said.

This was after DND Undersecretary for Defense Affairs Angelito De Leon met with German Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office, Florian Hahn on Jan. 20, the agency said in a media release late Thursday night.

"Both sides explored potential training opportunities for peacekeeping operations and collaboration in the defense industry, aligning with the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program and Germany's experience on defense technology," the DND said.

The two officials also discu...