US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited the Department of National Defense (DND) on July 26, 2022 to discuss developments on Philippines-US bilateral defense relations with senior Philippine defense officials.
Incoming Undersecretary Gacal welcomed Secretary Del Toro to the Philippines, who is visiting the country for the first time as the US Secretary of Navy. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
During the meeting, Secretary Del Toro commended the professionalism and dedication of the Philippine Navy. He also underscored the commitment of President Joseph Biden Jr. to a positive and productive relationship with the Philippines and that theu look forward to working closely with the new administration. Undersecretary Gacal echoed the statements of the President in relation to an independent foreign policy and reaffirmed the DND’s mission to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines.
The Secretary also cited the importance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific as well as respecting rules and international law. He recalled his visit to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise and shared the US’ best practices in naval research, particularly military technologies, addressing climate change, and ways on how the military can support national and economic development. It was emphasized that both the Philippines and the US can learn from one another during education and training exchanges.
The meeting ended with the two officials reaffirming the friendship, partnership, and alliance between the Philippines and the US. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
