RP, US mark milestone in military alliance

MANILA, Sept. 28 (PNA) - The governments of the Philippines and the United States on Friday marked a defining milestone in their military alliance via the 50th Mutual Defense Board (MDB) Meeting, and the 3rd Security Engagement Board (SEB) Meeting in Camp Aguinaldo.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano and US Pacific Command chief Admiral Timothy Keating commemorated the strong partnership between the Philippine and US militaries with the annual signing of Mutual Defense Board/Security Engagement Board Listing of Joint Activities.

The Philippines and the United States continue to build upon their long standing partnership, founded firmly on a common heritage as freedom-loving countries committed to the defense of liberty and democracy.

The two military chiefs demonstrated the continued commitment of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States to make the world more secure and prosperous for all.

“Today, our determination to work hand-in-hand in defending our cherished democratic way of life has not waned or faltered, but has in fact grown even stronger. Now more than ever, Filipinos and Americans stand shoulder-to-shoulder to preserve and broaden the dividends of peace, stability and progress that we have successfully achieved together in the Asia Pacific region,” said Yano.

“We are proud of our long standing and close security cooperation with the Republic of the Philippines. In today’s world, we must work together, in partnership, to combat transnational threats like terrorism, but also to learn from each other to enhance the capabilities of Philippine and US forces to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” Keating for his part said.

During the 50th MDB and 3rd SEB Meeting, discussions were held on mutual security concerns as well as non-traditional defense issues including Regional Security Challenges, Maritime Security, Combating Terrorism, Philippine Defense Reform, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response and Civil Military Operations.

Philippine and US participants mapped out the direction of a bilateral defense partnership to sustain the dynamism and growth of the RP-US alliance.

Moreover, the MDB and SEB meetings this year attested to the continuing stability of the longstanding RP-US strategic alliance, which has grown stronger through years of steadfast cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment.

In addition to planning for the coming year, the participants also commended the cooperative defense and security activities accomplished in the past year.

These include the conduct of military exercises, humanitarian assistance and civic action missions, exchanges of visits, subject matter expert exchanges, security assistance and counter-terrorism training.