ON Friday, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his country’s commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and the economic partnership between the two countries.
Hegseth said he talked to US President Donald Trump before the courtesy call in Malacañang.
“He (Trump) and I both want to express the ironclad commitment we have to the Mutual Defense Treaty and the partnership – economically, militarily,” Hegseth told President Marcos, referring to the partnerships between the US and the Philippines in the economic sector and the military.
For his part, President Marcos said Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines strongly affirms the US government’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the courtesy call, Hegseth also told the President the “very real reason why our first trip and our first visit is here to visit you in your great country.”
“Because as we’ve talked about, ‘peace through strength’ is a very real thing. Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese,” Hegseth said.
“Friends need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there’s free navigation. Whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has stood very firm in that location and defense of your nation,” he added.
“Your visit to the region and especially the fact that you have come to the Philippines as your first stop is very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region, within the South China Sea,” the President Marcos told Hegseth.
Hegseth assured President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the US continues to recognize the Philippines’ firm stance in the South China Sea and its efforts to defend its sovereignty.
The President led the Cabinet officials in welcoming Hegseth. Present during the courtesy call included Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee C. Ruiz, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. were also present.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson and other US officials joined Hegseth during the event.
During the event, President Marcos stressed the deep, century-long relationship between the Philippines and the US.
He said the US is a treaty ally and a key force for peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
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