Kalinaw News: Philippines, U.S. Host Annual Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 14, 2021): Philippines, U.S. Host Annual Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – General Jose Faustino Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command led the 2021 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, October 14.

General Faustino and Admiral Aquilino’s meeting resulted in the successful completion of the MDB-SEB, ensuring continued, robust relations between the U.S. and Philippine military. The U.S. and Philippines agreed over 300 activities for 2021, an increase over 2020.

“We were privileged to witness the advancing level of cooperation, and communication that both the Philippines and United States impart through the successful MDB-SEB meeting. I am optimistic that our alliance will continue to be robust in view of new and emerging security challenges that confront our nations. After all, we share the same goal of keeping peace and stability in this region,” said General Faustino.

Both the Philippines and the U.S. look forward to ongoing, close cooperation in areas central to our national and security interests, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber-security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and many others.

“For more than 100 years, the people of our two countries have shared a deep friendship. This friendship is based on values, to include upholding freedom for all people,” said Admiral Aquilino. “The sanctity of freedom was the foundation of our alliance … and is still applicable today”.

The MDB was established in 1958 and the SEB was established in 2006. The two boards together form the annual MDB-SEB, which coordinates a framework for defense and security cooperation between the U.S. and Philippine military.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippines-u-s-host-annual-mutual-defense-board-and-security-engagement-board/