Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. engaged United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during a phone call meeting.
This was the eighth time that both defense officials spoke on the phone to discuss security developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and explore ways to further enhance the Philippine-US alliance.
With the successful outcome of the Philippines’ hosting of the 4th Philippines-US Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Consultations in July 2024 and the recent Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) last week, Teodoro welcomed the US’ reaffirmation of its steadfast and ironclad commitment to the Philippines.
On the US’ offer of assistance for the ongoing impact of typhoons and weather disturbances in the Philippines, Teodoro conveyed that the DND will closely coordinate with the US on much-needed disaster response, as around two more typhoons are expected to enter the country within the month.
Both officials look forward to personally engaging each other again in the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) in November 2024.
The call ended with Teodoro and Austin discussing ongoing projects and activities that aim to bolster the Philippines-US alliance.
