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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US affirms support to PH defense, cites value of VFA

US affirms support to PH defense, cites value of VFA

Published Feb 10, 2021 10:39 am

The United States on Wednesday (Tuesday in Washington, D.C.) reaffirmed its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines and cited the value of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to both countries.

(Pixabay / MANILA BULLETIN)
(Pixabay / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III raised these points during an introductory phone call with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana where they discussed “priority” bilateral defense issues for both countries.

“Secretary Austin affirmed the US commitment to the US-Philippines alliance and our bilateral Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), highlighting the value the VFA brings to both countries,” the US official said in a media readout issued by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby.

Representatives from Manila and Washington are set to meet this month to iron out their differences regarding the VFA which was suspended last year by the Duterte administration.

In their phone conversation, the two defense chiefs covered the situation in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and agreed on the importance of upholding international rules and norms, including the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal. 

The capability upgrades of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and increasing interoperability between the two militaries through a variety of bilateral security cooperation activities were also discussed as well as regional security challenges, counterterrorism and maritime security.

The Pentagon said Austin and Lorenzana agreed to meet face-to-face in the future, when safety and health protocols have eased to allow in-person meetings.

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