THE Philippines on Sunday vowed to further strengthen defense cooperation with the United States as their Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) turns 75 years old.
In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the Philippines’ alliance with the US has “endured through generations” and evolved to address an increasingly complex security environment.
“The treaty remains a cornerstone of our shared commitment to peace, stability, and the defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the department said.
The DND cited bilateral and multilateral military exercises, operational coordination, capability development, maritime security cooperation and humanitarian assistance as key areas of the growing partnership.
It said these activities have enhanced interoperability between Philippine and US forces, strengthened deterrence and contributed to regional security and stability.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the MDT, a “cornerstone” of the longstanding Philippine-American alliance, provided a framework for sustained cooperation, strengthening interoperability, enhancing defense capabilities, and contributing to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
“Through exercises, maritime security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and other engagements, the AFP and the US military continue to work together in addressing shared security challenges,” it said.
As the alliance enters its eighth decade, the AFP reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing defense capabilities and interoperability with the United States.
The DND, meanwhile, said future cooperation would remain anchored in mutual respect, shared interests, and adherence to international law.
It said the two countries would continue efforts to advance a rules-based international order, safeguard freedom of navigation and strengthen regional resilience. — Pexcel John Bacon