US, PHL alliance remains strong as both nations commit to continue close security cooperation in latest MDB-SEB

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): US, PHL alliance remains strong as both nations commit to continue close security cooperation in latest MDB-SEB

The military alliance between the United States and the Philippines remains strong as both parties have committed to continue close cooperation in areas central to the national and security interest of both nations.

This was the essence of Tuesday's Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) which was held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"We look forward to continued, close cooperation in areas central to both our national and security interests including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and maritime security," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

This highlights the enduring commitment of both countries to the US-Philippine alliance.

This year's MDB-SEB meeting was jointly presided by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya and US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr.

They were joined and supported by various standing committees and participating agencies of both governments.

"The successful completion of the MDB-SEB ensures continued, robust relations between the US and Philippine militaries," Padilla added.

Earlier, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US will continue but it will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terror, and anti-narcotics operations.

"EDCA will continue (but it) be under the basis of this new direction," it further stressed.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=942234