United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is welcomed by his counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro upon arrival at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters. INQUIRER.net / FAITH ARGOSINO
MANILA, Philippines — United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Friday.
Hegseth is scheduled to meet with the country’s Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
READ: US Defense chief Pete Hegseth arrives in PH
In an earlier statement, the US Embassy in Manila said Hegseth’s visit aims “to advance security objectives” among Philippine leaders.
On Thursday night, the embassy announced the US defense chief’s arrival in the Philippines.
“US Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in the Philippines as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries,” it said in a Facebook post.
“This visit highlights the importance of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance and our ironclad commitment as #FriendsPartnersAllies dedicated to ensuring a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” it added.
