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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teodoro holds introductory call with new US Defense chief; defense cooperation discussed

Teodoro holds introductory call with new US Defense chief; defense cooperation discussed

Published Feb 6, 2025 09:23 am

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with the Philippine government under the Trump administration.

In his first official phone call on Thursday, Feb. 6, with recently confirmed US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro affirmed the importance of deepening defense cooperation between the two countries to strengthen deterrence against coercive and destabilizing actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Teodoro also emphasized the importance of upholding the rules-based international order.

In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Teodoro congratulated Hegseth on his recent appointment and expressed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with the U.S. in advancing shared defense priorities. 

“For his part, Secretary Hegseth conveyed his optimism about the future of Philippines-U.S. defense relations,” the DND statement read.

The two Defense chief’s first phone call discussed key security developments in the Indo-Pacific and the enhancement of the two countries' existing bilateral and multilateral engagements. 

Teodoro and Hegseth also talked about ongoing collaborative efforts, future investments for increased deterrence and defense industry development, and agreed to further extend the alliance through the inclusion of like-minded partners in defense initiatives for greater impact. 

Both officials, according to the DND, expressed optimism on future high-level meetings.

“The call concluded with both officials reaffirming their commitment to a great era of Philippines-U.S. defense partnership and exploring other areas of cooperation to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the DND said.

 


 

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