MANILA, Philippines -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper visited the Philippines for the first time as Defense Secretary to reaffirm the steadfast and enduring U.S. – Philippine alliance.
While here, Secretary Esper and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim met with Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr. to discuss the importance of our broad bilateral relationship in the Indo-Pacific region. During these engagements, discussions touched on counterterrorism, defense capacity building, and a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to the Philippines.
During his trip, Secretary Esper also visited the Manila American Cemetery, where he participated in a wreath laying ceremony, and Camp Aguinaldo, where he met with U.S. service members currently serving in the Philippines.
As longstanding friends, partners, and allies, the United States and the Philippines continue to strengthen bilateral ties through key leadership visits and engagements.