Pompeo, Filipino defense chief reaffirm commitment to Mutual Defense Treaty

WASHINGTON, Sept 20 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Wednesday Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana during which they reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.
State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement that Pompeo and Lorenzana discussed "cooperation on addressing regional security challenges, including the militarization of the South China Sea and the threats posed by terrorism and efforts to achieve denuclearization in North Korea." Pompeo reiterated "the readiness of the United States to continue our strong support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines." Meanwhile, Pompeo also expressed condolences "for the destruction and loss of life caused by Typhoon Ompong and offered US assistance in humanitarian relief efforts." (end) si.gta