The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) is looking forward to strengthen their military partnership to maintain the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Monday night, September 13.
This was evident during the visit of General David Berger, Commandant of USMC, at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City from September 10 to 11.
According to the United States Embassy, it was the first visit to the Philippines by a US Marine chief since August 2017.
During the visit, Berger was welcomed by Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, AFP Vice Chief of Staff, who represented AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr.
"In their meeting, the importance of US – Philippines’ alliance in maintaining peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region highlighted," the AFP said in a statement.
The AFP said sustaining and improving the interoperability and relations between the two nations’ armed forces, and the importance of bilateral exercises such as "Kamandag" and "Balikatan" were emphasized.
Berger also visited the headquarters of the Philippine Navy (PN) and the PMC where he was met by Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado, PN Flag Officer in Command, and Major Gen. Ariel Caculitan, Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.
"The defense cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America is one of the foundations of the two nations’ strengthening partnership," the AFP said.