U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III today announced plans to strengthen U.S.-Philippines relations over the next four years in preparation for November's elections.
PH-US ALLIANCE STRENGTHENS SECURITY, DEFENSE BONDS DURING BLINKEN, AUSTIN'S PH VISIT
During a courtesy call with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace, Austin praised the progress made in the alliance over the past three and a half years and looked forward to continued cooperation.
Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are in the Philippines for the 4th Philippine-US Foreign Affairs and Defense Dialogue (2+2 Dialogue), which is being held for the first time in the Philippines.
Blinken expressed his condolences and support to the victims of Tropical Cyclone Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat. He stressed the importance of high-level engagement between the two countries.
