The Philippines and the US on April 28 signed a 10-year defence pactthat will allow American forces to expand their rotational presence inthe country and have greater access to Filipino bases.
The move demonstrates the US’s commitment to boosting economic and military cooperation with Asia.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed byPhilippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to thePhilippines Philip Goldberg, a few hours before the expected arrival ofUS President Barack Obama in the country for a State visit.
The document was dubbed as a framework agreement. Many details,including the size and duration of the US military presence, will bediscussed later.
President Obama reiterated the US’commitments to the Philippines in an interview with ABS-CBN News, addingthat the greater cooperation between the two forces would enhance theirability to train, exercise and operate with each other and respondfaster to a number of challenges.
Filipinofacilities will remain under the control of the Philippines and USforces will rotate in and out for joint training operations, but willnot be based there, the President said.
ThePhilippines is the final stop of Obama’s week-long Asia tour, a tripaimed at reaffirming US defence commitments and bolstering relationswith allies in the region.-VNA
The move demonstrates the US’s commitment to boosting economic and military cooperation with Asia.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed byPhilippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to thePhilippines Philip Goldberg, a few hours before the expected arrival ofUS President Barack Obama in the country for a State visit.
The document was dubbed as a framework agreement. Many details,including the size and duration of the US military presence, will bediscussed later.
President Obama reiterated the US’commitments to the Philippines in an interview with ABS-CBN News, addingthat the greater cooperation between the two forces would enhance theirability to train, exercise and operate with each other and respondfaster to a number of challenges.
Filipinofacilities will remain under the control of the Philippines and USforces will rotate in and out for joint training operations, but willnot be based there, the President said.
ThePhilippines is the final stop of Obama’s week-long Asia tour, a tripaimed at reaffirming US defence commitments and bolstering relationswith allies in the region.-VNA
