ISTANBUL: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro agreed on Sunday to sign a comprehensive defense cooperation agreement by the end of 2024 at a meeting in Manila, according to local media reports. Pistorius and Teodoro said the agreement aims to strengthen long-term military relations, expand training, bilateral exchanges, and armaments cooperation, Philippine news outlet Rappler reported. Philippines Defense Secretary Teodoro emphasized the interconnection of security and stability between their regions, expressing hope that the agreement would be signed 'before the end of the year.' The Philippines is strengthening defense ties amid escalating tensions with China over the South China Sea. Germany has been the Philippines' formal defense partner since their agreement was signed in 1974. Source: Anadolu Agency