General Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), met with General James McConville, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, who paid a courtesy visit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday, May 10.

( [L-R] General James McConville, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and General Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines meet at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on May 9, 2023. / Photo: AFP)

Centino and McConville discussed the “growing bilateral relationship” between the Philippines and the US which was highlighted by the recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, said Col. Jorry Baclor, chief of AFP public affairs office.

"I was very excited about his recent visit to Washington D.C. as it sets the stage for a bigger and stronger relationship," McConville said.

Marcos was in the US from April 30 to May 4 for an official working visit where he met his American counterpart, Pres. Joe Biden.

McConville said more military trainings and high-level engagements can be expected from them “as a sign of increasing partnership” between the two countries.

“We've been friends and allies for a long time, and I think it is important that we stay that way. In fact, [I think it's better that] we become better friends, partners, and allies in the future," McConville stated.

Meanwhile, Centino reciprocated McConville’s optimism on the PH-US alliance, and welcomed the AFP’s recent engagements with the US military that enhanced the Filipino troops’ capabilities.

Among these include the recently concluded Exercise Balikatan and the ongoing Cope Thunder Exercise.

“We are thankful for your commitment and your support. We appreciate you for coming here as it goes a long way in strengthening our alliance and promoting cooperation,” Centino said.