United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday night.
He was welcomed by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson as seen in the photos uploaded on her Twitter.
Honored to welcome @SecDef Austin back to the Philippines. His visit shows the United States’ ironclad commitment to our 🇵🇠#FriendsPartnersAllies. @DNDPHL pic.twitter.com/TaOjRAj8aU
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) January 31, 2023
"Wheels down in the Philippines where I’ll meet with Secretary of National Defense Galvez & other senior leaders to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a #freeandopenpacific," Austin tweeted along with a video of him being given honors upon arrival in the country.
Wheels down in the 🇵🇠Philippines where I’ll meet with Secretary of National Defense Galvez & other senior leaders to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a #freeandopenpacific. pic.twitter.com/Cu5lhfmqBh
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 31, 2023
According to the US Embassy in the Philippines, Austin will meet President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, his Philippine counterpart Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and other senior officials in order to further strengthen the defense partnerships between the United States and the Philippines.
Among the topics expected to be tackled during his meeting with Galvez and other senior leaders is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the accord between the US and the Philippines inked in 2014.
The EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.
Last month, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed Austin's visit to the country.
This comes after Romualdez said there is a serious discussion on future maritime cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, which includes conducting joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea.
