Philippines, US agree to bolster anti-terrorism information sharing
The Philippines and the United States have committed to intensifying joint efforts in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism by sharing military intelligence information.
Soldiers participate in joint exercise of the Philippines and the US held in Zambales province of the Philippines (Source: Xinhua/VNA) |
According to a statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines on 20 May, the two sides reached the agreement during a recent meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting involved a high-level Philippine delegation led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; and US Pacific Command (PACOM) Admiral Harry Harris Jr and the commanders of all PACOM service components.
They agreed on the need to work more closely together, including in the exchange of information, in the fight against terrorism and in countering violent extremism.
The DFA said the Philippines and the US have also reaffirmed their firm resolve to bolster their enduring alliance anchored on common values and interest, historic ties and the Mutual Defense Treaty" signed in 1951 between the two allies.
(Source: VNA)