The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Navy and United States Naval Operations discussed on Friday the ongoing military and maritime cooperations between Manila and Washington.
US Navy chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Frachetti paid a courtesy call to AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr in Camp Aguinaldo.
During the visit, General Brawner and Admiral Franchetti held a dialogue centered on the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States.
“The dialogue underscored the mutual commitment to regional security, maritime domain awareness, and enhancing interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces,” AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said.
General Brawner expressed gratitude to Admiral Franchetti for the US Navy’s continued support and emphasized the importance of collaborative training exercises and capacity-building programs.
“This visit marks a significant milestone in the enduring friendship and military cooperation between the two nations, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional security and stability, as well as in advancing a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific,” Trinidad added.
The Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. and Admiral Franchetti, meanwhile, exchanged views on maritime security and explored opportunities for more joint and combined exercises and cooperation, focusing on strengthening the PH-US alliance.
“The US is an incredible partner and ally of the Philippines. I want to reaffirm our strong alliance and the US commitment to the Philippines, but most importantly, my commitment to working with you and your navy,” Franchetti stated.
“The engagements between our two navies have steadily increased, including areas such as education and training, capability development, subject matter expert exchanges and Fleet to Fleet and Marine to Marine engagements between the US and Philippine navies. We hope to sustain these activities and progressively build on them in the future,” said the PH Navy Chief in response.
