Hagel says U.S. remains committed to further develop ties with the PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Hagel says U.S. remains committed to further develop ties with the PHL

United States Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he had a productive meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday and assured that the US remains committed to further develop its close ties with the Philippines.

"In my meeting with President Aquino, I noted that the deep and unbreakable alliance between United States and Philippines is an anchor for peace and stability and prosperity in this region," Hagel said in his remarks during a joint press conference with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at the Heroes' Hall of Malacanang Palace.

"Our close ties with the Philippines have been forged through history of shared sacrifice and common purpose, and continuing to strengthen the close partnership between our nations is an important part of America’s long-term strategy of re-balancing in the Asia Pacific,” he said.”

Hagel is in Manila as part of his four-nation trip to South-East Asia.

During his visit, Hagel paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive at the Music Room of Malacanang Palace on Friday.

"One thing that I want to emphasize is that United States is committed to the mutual defense treaty between our nations. It was borne out of Americans and Filipinos fighting shoulder-to-shoulder during World War II, and it has formed the foundation of the US-Philippines security relationship for more than 60 years," Hagel stressed.

Hagel's visit to the Philippines is seen as a continuing US effort to assure the Philippines that it will help maintain peace in the region amid territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

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