PBBM, USINDOPACOM chief tackle defense, security issues

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): PBBM, USINDOPACOM chief tackle defense, security issues (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

SECURITY DIALOGUE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with United States Indo-Pacific Command commander Admiral Samuel Paparo (in white) at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2024). Marcos and Paparo discussed security and defense issues. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday met with United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) commander Adm. Samuel Paparo at Malacañan Palace in Manila where they discussed defense and security issues.

During the meeting, Marcos expressed optimism that the Philippines’ relations with USINDOPACOM would improve under Paparo’s leadership.

Marcos also thanked Paparo for finding time to visit the Philippines and tour some Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites to see the “true situation on the ground”.

“Welcome to Manila. Welcome to the Philippines. Well since your new appointment, I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you,” he told Paparo.

“I’m going to see you and you’re coming to see us. We have a great deal of, there are great many subjects that will be discussed, many decisions that we have to make for the United States and for the Philippines.” Marcos added.

Marcos and Paparo’s meeting focused on the Philippines and the US’ commitment to strengthening their defense and security partnership, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

Paparo is scheduled to visit an EDCA site on Wednesday and attend the Annual Meeting of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board in Baguio City on Thursday.

Paparo assumed command of USINDOPACOM on May 3.

USINDOPACOM, established as a unified command on Jan. 1, 1947, is one of six geographic Unified Combatant Commands of the US Armed Forces and the oldest and largest of the American unified commands.

With allies and partners, USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, and deterring aggression.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232068