Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall G. Schriver visited the Philippines last August 15 to 17 to reinforce the United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to the Philippines, a close friend, partner, and ally.
“This was my first visit to the Philippines as Assistant Secretary of Defense, so this was a good opportunity for me to meet with the leadership here,” said Schriver. “It’s an honor for us to be considered a friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines.”
While in the Philippines, Schriver met with Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo
During his meetings, Schriver discussed the value of multilateral military exercises like Balikatan and KAMANDAG and their contributions to the strength and interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine militaries.
Schriver also emphasized the value of continuing frequent subject matter expert exchanges and joint training events between both countries’ militaries, the continuing U.S. Special Operations Forces support of AFP counter terrorism efforts in Mindanao, cooperation to counter violent extremism, the United States’ support of AFP modernization efforts, and the increasing importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Schriver’s trip also included a stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before traveling to Manila.