For the first time since his assumption, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. will meet United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in the Philippines as the officials are expected to tackle the strengthening of the two countries’ defense and military partnership amid the prevailing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
An advisory from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) said Austin is scheduled to depart on Sunday, Jan. 29, as he takes a trip to the Republic of Korea and the Philippines.
“During his visits, he will meet with senior government and military leaders in both countries to advance regional stability and further strengthen the defense partnerships with the United States,” the US DoD said.
“This trip reaffirms the deep commitment of the United States to work in concert with allies and partners in support of the shared vision of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it added.
The DND has yet to issue a statement on Austin’s visit.
But in a previous interview, Galvez had said that he was looking forward to meet Austin and discuss the status of the PH-US defense ties after he assumed as the defense secretary last Jan. 9.
Jose Faustino Jr., Galvez’ predecessor who resigned earlier this month, met with Austin in Hawaii in September 2022 and in Cambodia in November 2022.
Austin’s visit follows a string of engagements between the Philippines and United States officials which is perceived as a sign of improving ties between the two countries under the Marcos Jr. administration.
This was far from the sour relationship of Manila with Washington under the previous Duterte administration as the former chief executive developed warmer ties to China and Russia.
In September last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with US President Joe Biden in New York where they “reflected on the importance of the US-Philippines alliance.” Meanwhile, US Vice President visited the country in November 2022 where she reaffirmed the US’ commitment to the defense alliance with the Philippines.