Philippines and U.S. agree on “continued and robust” military relation
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Agreement
Manila (dpa/NAN) U.S. and Philippine defence relations enjoyed a moment of stability Tuesday when officials from both sides promised a “continued and robust” defence relationship, after weeks of threats by Manila to sever ties.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier threatened to stop joint military exercises with the U.S., saying the major war games conducted in September would be the last under his term.
Duterte has said he wants to redefine relations with the US and move closer to China and Russia. This comes after worries have been raised by many Western powers about the Philippines’ new war on drugs under Duterte, which some say has led to extrajudicial killings of innocents.
The U.S. and the Philippines have enjoyed a strong defence relationship for decades. The two signed a mutual defence treaty in 1951.
Tuesday’s meeting was of the Mutual Defence Board of the Philippines and the United States.
“The successful completion of the MDB-SEB (Mutual Defence Board-Security Engagement Board ensures continued, robust relations between the U.S. and Philippine militaries,” a joint statement released after the meeting said.
“This highlights the enduring commitment of both countries to the U.S.-Philippine alliance. We look forward to continued close cooperation in areas central to both our national and security interests including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security,” the statement added.
The meeting was led by Philippine military chief General Ricardo Visaya and U.S. Pacific Commander head Admiral Harry Harris Jr.
Philippine military Spokesman Brig-Gen. Restituto Padilla said details of the meeting are not yet available.
Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said early this month that, while Duterte agreed to retain a security alliance with the U.S., the joint military activities will be scaled back.
He said the joint naval exercises will be stopped. (dpa/NAN)
(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)