Two ranking officials of the United States military visited Manila from August 15 to 18, 2019 to “re-emphasize” Washington’s commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with its ally, the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin file photo
During their visit, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein and General Charles Brown, commander of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), met with key Filipino policymakers including Undersecretary of National Defense Cardozo Luna, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal, and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Rozzano Briguez.
“This visit was an excellent opportunity not only to engage with our Philippine counterparts, but to strengthen the friendship, partnership, and alliance that exists between our nations,” said General Goldfein.
The visiting American generals were feted with an arrival honors ceremony to highlight the close military relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
“Our relationship with the PAF remains strong and will continue to grow. As like-minded nations who believe in a free and open Indo- Pacific and respect for one another’s sovereignty and sovereign territory, our common interests draw us together,” Goldfein said.
In an earlier telephonic interview with international journalists, Goldfein said he is excited to see the Philippine Air Force 2028 plan, which is part of the country’s effort to modernize the AFP and build a credible defense force amid growing concerns over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, as well as the threat of terrorism in the south.
“This is a longstanding alliance between the United States and the Philippines, and it really has contributed to peace, stability, prosperity in this region for over 60 years,” Goldfein said in his remarks.
“This visit was an excellent opportunity not only to engage with our Philippine counterparts, but to strengthen the friendship, partnership, and alliance that exists between our nations,” said General Goldfein.
The visiting American generals were feted with an arrival honors ceremony to highlight the close military relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
“Our relationship with the PAF remains strong and will continue to grow. As like-minded nations who believe in a free and open Indo- Pacific and respect for one another’s sovereignty and sovereign territory, our common interests draw us together,” Goldfein said.
In an earlier telephonic interview with international journalists, Goldfein said he is excited to see the Philippine Air Force 2028 plan, which is part of the country’s effort to modernize the AFP and build a credible defense force amid growing concerns over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, as well as the threat of terrorism in the south.
“This is a longstanding alliance between the United States and the Philippines, and it really has contributed to peace, stability, prosperity in this region for over 60 years,” Goldfein said in his remarks.
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