US reaffirms alliance with PH, mutual defense commitments

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 21): US reaffirms alliance with PH, mutual defense commitments

The United States government on Friday (Thursday in Washington, D.C.) reaffirmed its enduring alliance with the Philippines, including its commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951.



US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
(AFP Photo/NICHOLAS KAMM / MANILA BULLETIN)

State Secretary Michael Pompeo conveyed this commitment when he met with visiting Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. in Washington, D.C., US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a media readout.

“Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr., at the Department of State today. The Secretary reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Philippines alliance, including commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951,” Palladino said.

The MDT, among others, emphasizes a mutual commitment to peacefully resolve international disputes, separately or jointly developing capacity to resist attack, and the need for consultation when the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of the United States or the Philippines is under threat of attack in the Pacific.

During the meeting between Pompeo and Locsin, they discussed ongoing efforts to address regional issues such as the South China Sea, North Korea, and counterterrorism.

The two officials also explored opportunities to increase people-to-people ties between the two countries, its longstanding commitment to human rights, and cooperation to strengthen the Philippines’ energy security.

Locsin’s office said the secretary conveyed to Pompeo Manila’s appreciation for the return of the historic Bells of Balangiga on December 11. The meeting between the two was a follow-up to their phone conversation last October shortly after Locsin assumed the post as the country’s top diplomat.

Earlier, US Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Southeast Asia Dr. Joseph Felter expressed their commitment to what he described as “ironclad” alliance between the US and the Philippines under the foundational document of the MDT.

“We are after our alliance, it’s ironclad. The Mutual Defense Treaty has served us well for several years … we abide by it,” said Felter, who accompanied the return of the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines.

Felter stressed that the US is committed to its treaty ally, the Philippines, “in ensuring that its sovereignty isn’t threatened.”

“You’re a treaty ally; we’re going to defend our treaty ally, do all we can to ensure that its interest and sovereignty are not threatened,” Felter told the Manila Bulletin in a recent interview.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/21/us-reaffirms-alliance-with-ph-mutual-defense-commitments/