Austin vows to help modernize Philippines' defense capabilities

Visiting United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III on Thursday vowed to assist the Philippine's defense sector in modernizing its capabilities and increasing the interoperability between Filipino and American troops.

"From defense perspective, we will continue to work together with our great partners and to build and modernize your capabilities as well as increase our interoperability,” Austin told President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during a meeting in Malacañang.

“So we are very, very happy to be here once again and I look forward to a great discussion with you, Mr. President,” he added.

Marcos has said that the future of the Philippines will always involve the United States, noting that Washington has always been the Philippines' longest partner and ally.

The President expressed gratitude to Austin for visiting the Philippines as their meeting would be an opportunity to exchange ideas, thoughts, and comments on the present security situation, especially in the Asia Pacific region.

Austin arrived in the country Tuesday night and visited local troops in Zamboanga City on Wednesday.

Prior to his meeting with Marcos, Austin met with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

He also went to Camp Aguinaldo to meet his Filipino counterpart, Secretary Carlito Galvez. —KBK, GMA Integrated News