Telephone conversation between SND and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

By DND

Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held an introductory phone call on Wednesday, 10 February 2021, to discuss developments on Philippines-US bilateral defense relations. Secretary Austin reaffirmed commitment to the Philippines-US alliance through the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and the Agreement Regarding the Treatment of US Armed Forces Visiting the Philippines (VFA).

The Secretaries covered the security situation in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea (WPS/SCS), particularly on the capability upgrades of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Both sides committed to sustain dialogues amidst the pandemic and strengthen cooperation between the two defense establishments. They agreed to meet face-to-face in the future. (DND)