US DND chief coming over to ‘advance security objectives with PH leaders’
United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (center) speaks with Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (right) and Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen (left) during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers format at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (File photo from Associated Press)
MANILA, Philippines — United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to travel to the Philippines next week “to advance security objectives” among the country’s leaders.
He also intends to meet with military officials and soldiers of the Philippines and the United States.
This is according to the US Embassy in Manila.
In a statement on Saturday, the embassy said Hegseth’s trip is geared towards forming “unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security.”
“He will travel to the Philippines to advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces,” it disclosed.
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In a separate statement, the US Department of Defense said Hegseth’s trip included visiting Hawaii, Guam and Japan.
“These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the department said.
It added that Hegseth’s first travel to Hawaii included meeting “civilian and military leaders from the US Indo-Pacific Command.”
“From there, Sec. Hegseth will travel to Guam, where he is expected to tour the military facilities and receive capabilities briefs. Next, he will travel to the Philippines,” the statement noted.
“In Japan, Sec. Hegseth will participate in a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and will later meet with Japanese leaders and US military forces,” it said.
“And as always, the Secretary looks forward to some great PT (physical training) with the troops!” it added.
