The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their robust security alliance following an introductory phone call between their respective National Security Advisers on Friday.
In a statement released Saturday, the Philippine National Security Council (NSC) said National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and his U.S. counterpart, Mike Waltz, discussed recent developments in the longstanding PH-U.S. alliance.
The conversation focused on regional security, particularly tensions in the South China Sea, also referred to locally as the West Philippine Sea.
The two officials also explored future bilateral engagements aimed at accelerating cooperation between the two nations. They emphasized the importance of working with other like-minded partners to maintain a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Both sides committed to continuing their dialogue and enhancing coordination at the working level.
“NSA Año expressed appreciation for the United States’ unwavering support and reiterated the importance of Washington’s ironclad commitment to the Philippines,” the NSC said.