Filipino and American defense chiefs agreed to meet face-to-face in the near future

Philippines-US bilateral relations discussed by defense secretaries

MANILA – Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III discussed the developments on Philippines-US bilateral defense relations in their introductory phone call yesterday.

In a statement from the Defense Department, it was learned Secretary Austin reaffirmed commitment to the Philippines-US alliance through the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and the Agreement Regarding the Treatment of US Armed Forces Visiting the Philippines known as VFA.

They also discussed the security situation in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, particularly the capability upgrades of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

They agreed to sustain dialogues amidst the pandemic and further strengthen cooperation between the two defense establishments and they agreed to meet face-to-face in the future.

The DND statement did not disclose how long the discussi

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana talks with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in their first conversation after President Joe Biden took office last January 20. (DND handout photo)