AFP chief, US Pacific Fleet head tackle regional peace efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21, 2024): AFP chief, US Pacific Fleet head tackle regional peace efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ENDURING ALLIANCE. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) and US Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Stephen Koehler, Commander hold talks during the latter's courtesy call at the AFP headquarters on Monday (May 20, 2024). The two officials discussed ways to further uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific Region and other areas of cooperation. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and United States Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Stephen Koehler met Monday to discuss ways to further uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific Region.

"In their meeting, Gen. Brawner Jr. expressed his gratitude to Admiral Koehler for the continued support of the enduring US-Philippine alliance amidst evolving security challenges," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday.

During their meeting at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Brawner reaffirmed the AFP’s dedication to upholding a free and stable Indo-Pacific region through rules-based approaches under international law.

Trinidad said Koehler's courtesy call reflects the AFP’s strategic partnership to strengthen interoperability and further advance combined capabilities in the maritime domain.

The two officials also discussed the conduct of the first-ever multilateral maritime cooperative activity and its regular holding between Manila and Washington D.C.

These activities are part of the ongoing effort to underscore collective commitment to regional and international cooperation in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific Region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225179