Washington is committed to supporting the Philippines to deter terrorist threats in the region, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Delfin Lorenzana in the Philippine capital on Tuesday.
Among the threats, particularly ISIS, Washington reaffirmed its commitment to the treaty on Joint Defense in the Pacific, and the preservation of freedom of navigation. It encompasses the political, cultural and military aspects, stressing the pursuit of the development of bilateral relations.
Mark Esper explained that during the meeting discussed all future ways to be taken in the military alliance between Manila and Washington.
Read also: Suicide bomber explodes outside military camp in southern Philippines