This handout photo taken on July 29, 2021 and received from the Philippines Presidential Photo Division (PPD) shows Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center) greeting US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (left) during a courtesy call at Malacanang Palace in Manila. (PHILIPPINES' PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION / AFP)
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte restored the nation’s Visiting Forces Agreement with the US more than a year after moving to terminate it, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Friday.
President Rodrigo Duterte received Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin in a courtesy call at the presidential palace in Manila on Thursday night, where they had an “open and frank” discussion on the status and future direction of Philippines-US engagement, according to a statement from Duterte’s office released Friday
Duterte and Austin met Thursday and agreed there’s room to strengthen relations as the US defense chief vowed a deeper role in Asia.
Duterte received Austin in a courtesy call at the presidential palace in Manila on Thursday night, where they had an “open and frank” discussion on the status and future direction of Philippines-US engagement, according to a statement from Duterte’s office released Friday.
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“They agreed that the alliance can be further strengthened through enhanced communication and greater cooperation, particularly in the areas of pandemic response, combating transnational crimes, including the war on illegal drugs, maritime domain awareness, the rule of law and trade and investments,” said the statement that came on the US defense secretary’s first official visit to Manila.
Duterte last year moved to terminate the military deal between the two countries, which sets the terms for joint exercises and engagement of American soldiers in the Philippines. The decision was Duterte’s first significant effort to cut defense ties with the US.
Austin has used his visit to Southeast Asia to reassure allies of the US’s commitment to engage with the region.
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The Pentagon chief’s second visit to the region as secretary comes as countries across Southeast Asia struggle with a surge in coronavirus cases.