Secretary Locsin Welcomes U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin III

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (left)  hands over the diplomatic note recalling the abrogation of the VFA to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III (right) during the latter’s visit at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 30 July 2021. (DFA-OPCD Photo by Philip Fernandez)

PASAY CITY, 31 JULY 2021 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the alliance. The Philippines is the oldest security treaty ally of the United States in the region.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continuing support for the Philippines’ defense capabilities enhancement, especially for maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster response. He noted that the Philippines remains key to securing U.S. interests in the region, particularly in maintaining peace and stability.

The two Secretaries also discussed the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to the present security architecture and agreed to work more closely to address these challenges. Secretary Austin reiterated U.S. support to the Philippine COVID-19 response.

Secretary Locsin recognized that the United States continues to play an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that the Philippines and the United States are celebrating the 75th anniversary of its bilateral relations and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) this year. He expressed hope that the PH-US alliance will grow more robust and responsive to emerging threats and challenges in the decades ahead on the strength of their shared history, mutual respect, and commitment to democratic values. END

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.  and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III during the latter’s visit at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 30 July 2021. (DFA-OPCD Photo by Philip Fernandez)