By MB Online
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was personally welcomed in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) by United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. (US Department of State/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The meeting of the two officials was highlighted by discussions on mutual defense and security challenges, a statement of Heather Nauert, US Department of State spokesperson, said.
“Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Lorenzana discussed cooperation on addressing regional security challenges, including the militarization of the South China Sea and the threats posed by terrorism and efforts to achieve denuclearization in North Korea,” Nauert wrote.
The two officials also reaffirmed the commitment of the US and the Philippines to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.
Pompeo also expressed readiness on the part of the US to continue its support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP’s) modernization.
Meanwhile, Pompeo also extended sympathies to the Philippines over the death and destruction caused by typhoon “Ompong” over the weekend and offered US assistance in humanitarian relief efforts.
On Wednesday, Lorenzana also met with Jim Mattis at the Pentagon to discuss the two countries’ commitment to fight terrorism.
Mattis also reaffirmed the continued US military advisory support to assist the Philippines in combating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and other violent extremist networks.