MANILA, Philippines -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the Republic of the Philippines June 11-14 to reaffirm the U.S. Navy’s strong partnership and ties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During his visit to the Philippines, Swift met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano, Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año, and Philippine Navy Flag Officer in-Command Vice Adm. Ronald J.S. Mercado. Swift stressed the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s commitment to addressing shared regional security concerns including counterterrorism and piracy, while highlighting the strong defense ties between the U.S. and the Philippines.

“The Philippine Navy is a valued and enduring ally of the U.S. Navy and a close partner of the Pacific Fleet,” said Swift. “I’m very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit with senior government and military leaders here in Manila. We continue to build on the strong relationship we have and to reaffirm our commitment to working together to face shared challenges.”

The long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States has contributed to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region for more than 70 years. As part of the security partnership, the United States supports the Philippines in its efforts to strengthen national defense, and improve its ability to respond to natural disasters, terror threats, piracy, and other transnational crimes.