Just concluded 'Balikatan' exercises a success - US Ambassador

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19): Just concluded 'Balikatan' exercises a success - US Ambassador

This year's "Balikatan" exercises is a tremendous success, according to US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.

"The rigorous training schedule and the hard work during this year's 'Balikatan' exercise have reinforced long standing ties and strengthen our combined ability to respond to today's challenges, over the last 12 days, thousands of our military servicemen, members trained together to share critical skill sets, understand each others planning processes and operations and refine their combined abilities," Kim remarked during the closing ceremonies of the annual military event held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Friday.

This year's "Balikatan" exercises started on May 8 and ended on the 19th. Around 2,800 Filipino troops, 2,600 American soldiers, 80 members of the Australian Defense Forces participated in the two week drills which focused mostly on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counter-terrorism missions.

"By all accounts 'Balikatan' 33 was a tremendous success. Our nations face an increasingly complex and volatile security environment, now more than ever our Armed Forces must work together closely. Exercises like 'Balikatan' build upon long and productive history between our two militaries and ensure that we are always ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, in defense of our alliance, our shared values and the international rules-based order," Kim stressed.

He also said that the recently-concluded drills were "a great reflection of our enduring alliance and the deep bond between our two peoples, and I know that we just finished but we're already looking forward to training together as friends, partners and allies for next year's 'Balikatan,' so I thank and congratulate everyone involved who worked so hard to make this event successful."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/989314