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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No need for new PH-US defense agreement, officials say

No need for new PH-US defense agreement, officials say

Published Jan 21, 2023 01:32 pm

There is no need for the Philippines and the US to come up with new military agreements on top of the existing Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

This is what officials of both countries believed in as the Philippines and the US concluded the two-day Bilateral Security Dialogue (BSD), which aimed to discuss their strengthening alliance.

Nevertheless, the two sides gave assurance that they always prioritize concerns on the South China Sea in their discussions.

Photo courtesy of OPCD-DFA

According to DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro, there are no new agreements between the two countries.

"But cooperation, definitely, there are a number of cooperative activities," she added in a press conference on Friday night.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, who was in Manila for the BSD, said he did not think the Philippines and the US still need new pacts just to carry out the Western giant's commitment.

Because the existing agreements already cover the country's military and coast guard, including those in the South China Sea, he added.

"Every day, the United States and the Philippines are working together to enhance the capabilities of the Philippines Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to coordinate on a like-minded diplomacy designed to support international law, peaceful resolution of disputes and support freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight," Kritenbrink said.

"So I could assure you, in the course of our conversations, important issues related to the South China Sea were central to our conversations. But no new agreements, and none required, and none from my perspective," he added.

Related Tags

DFA daniel kritenbrink mdt Philippines South China Sea ma. theresa lazaro EDCA USA military agreements bilateral security dialogue
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