U.S. deputy defense secretary talks to PH execs on 'maritime domain awareness'

From InterAksyon (Mar 20): U.S. deputy defense secretary talks to PH execs on 'maritime domain awareness'

United States Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Tuesday visited the Philippines where he met with key government officials to discuss "maritime domain awareness" and defense modernization, among others. 

A statement released by Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Carter first met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City where the two discussed the importance of U.S.-Philippines alliance.

Carter also reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to enhance maritime domain awareness in the region, defense modernization and continued assistance in counter-terrorism.  

Carter also met with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and key DFA officials. The discussion revolved on U.S.-Philippine efforts to enhance cooperation across security, diplomatic, and economic sectors, ASEAN and the Code of Conduct among other topics.

Carter concluded his Manila visit by meeting with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa in Malacanang. Topics discussed were the US re-balance to Asia and other concerns on the possible impact of defense budget cuts.

Carter's stopover to Manila was part of his Asian visit.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57578/u-s--deputy-defense-secretary-talks-to-ph-execs-on-maritime-domain-awareness