U.S. envoy says military alliance with PH ‘evolving’ to address new challenges

Baguio City (CNN Philippines, September 1) — United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reaffirmed on Friday her country’s commitment to strengthen and improve its military alliance with the Philippines to address emerging and new challenges.

During a post-independence day celebration in Baguio City, the U.S. envoy said that the partnership between Manila and Washington is evolving.

She also cited the gains of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the U.S. as the two countries recently marked 72 years since it was signed.

“What can we expect? Certainly another 72 years, at least,” Carlson told reporters on Thursday.

“We are very honored to reiterate our commitment to that ironclad alliance. The fact that it’s evolving, our challenges are evolving and we see that after 72 years, the Mutual Defense Treaty really stood the test of time,” the envoy added.

Carlson said that Washington remains committed to helping the Philippines modernize its armed forces.

“With the goal of modernizing the Philippine armed forces, improving our interoperability and defending the alliance, defending the territory of the Philippines to preserving lives and livelihood,” she said.

The envoy said that in this year alone, around 500 military activities were lined up for the two countries.

Carlson said that Philippine and US officials will meet this month to discuss and plan the next lineup of activities for next year.

The Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board convenes yearly to discuss and plan the two countries' activities for defense and security cooperation. The activities include joint military exercises and capability building in counterterrorism, maritime security, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other national security interests.