Washington, DC - Secretary Michael R. Pompeo welcomed Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana to the Department of State in Washington, DC today. The two Secretaries reaffirmed the commitment of the United States and the Philippines to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. Secretary Pompeo and Secretary 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.

Secretary Pompeo reiterated the readiness of the United States to continue our strong support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Secretary Pompeo also expressed condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by Typhoon Ompong and offered U.S. assistance in humanitarian relief efforts.