Sweden joins ASEAN treaty, boosts PH defense ties

Sweden formally acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on Friday, with Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson handing over Sweden’s Instrument of Accession to Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, representing the Philippines as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, during a ceremony in Manila.

The accession ceremony coincided with Jonson’s second official visit to the Philippines, where he also held bilateral talks with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and met with Philippine defense and security officials to further expand bilateral cooperation.

2nd from left: Minister of Defence of Sweden, Pål Jonson. PHOTO FROM ASEAN Philippines 2026

By becoming a High Contracting Party to the TAC, Sweden also congratulated the Philippines on its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship as both sides prepare for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-European Union dialogue relations next year.

“We look forward to further engaging with ASEAN and its member states across areas of common interest, including trade, security, defence, the green and digital transitions, science and technology. You can count on Sweden as your long-term partner,” Jonson said.

During the High-Level Conference commemorating the treaty’s 50th anniversary, Jonson joined discussions on enhancing maritime security and regional maritime cooperation, highlighting Sweden’s support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Defence partnership gains momentum

Jonson’s second official visit to Manila underscored the expanding defence and security cooperation between Sweden and the Philippines.

Minister Jonson’s Arrival. Photo from the Department of National Defense.

His visit began with arrival honors by the Philippine Air Force and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument before holding bilateral talks with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson (left) and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hold a joint press briefing following their bilateral meeting in Manila, where they discussed expanding Sweden-Philippines defense and security cooperation as Stockholm strengthens its engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Photo from the Department of National Defense.

The Swedish defense chief also met officials from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, National Security Council, and the Office of the Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Members of the Swedish delegation likewise engaged with the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Minister Jonson and BGEN. Genardo D. Menor of the Philippine Air Force. The Philippine Air Force rendered arrival honors to Minister Jonson upon his second visit to Manila.
Photo from Department of National Defense.

According to Swedish officials, the engagements reflect the growing scope of bilateral cooperation as Sweden increases its defence presence and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, recognizing the region’s strategic importance to global security.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson leads a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Manila as part of his official visit to the Philippines, a traditional gesture honoring the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Photo from Department of National Defense.

Sweden identified the Philippines as a key regional partner, citing shared democratic values and common strategic interests that support long-term collaboration in defence, security, innovation, and advanced technologies.

Healthcare collaboration announced

Beyond defence, Jonson visited the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), where Sweden announced a collaboration between Team Sweden and the hospital to strengthen cancer care and accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare services.

The initiative aligns with Sweden’s whole-of-society approach to national resilience, which integrates defence, disaster response, healthcare, and technological innovation as part of its broader international cooperation strategy.