MANILA: The United States assured the Philippines that Washington is determined to intensify defence and security cooperation with Manila in support of its own efforts to boost its national defence capacity.
Dr Ashton Carter, Deputy Defence Secretary, gave the assurance during his call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario last Tuesday.
“We had a good discussion on intensifying our defence cooperation and the current challenges in the region. Dr Carter reiterated the commitment of the US to work with us and support our efforts to strengthen our military and its ability to defend our country,” Del Rosario said.
Del Rosario added that Carter also assured him that the US stands solidly behind the efforts of the Philippines to resolve the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea in a peaceful manner and consistent with the rule of law.
“I welcomed Dr Carter’s strong support for our efforts at peacefully settling the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea. We are committed to seeing this through,” Del Rosario said.
Both officials agreed that it is important to increase the number of exercises and activities between the military and defence establishments of the two countries to support the military training and capacity building efforts of the Philippines.
“We will be able to increase and maximize the value and returns of the P75bn the President has allocated for our defence for the next five years, the increased rotational presence, exercises, training and other activities with US forces,” he added.
Carter also told Del Rosario that he always had an interest in the Philippines, starting when he first met the late Sen Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr, when both of them were members of academe in institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
