Teodoro, Gates meet tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. are scheduled to have a one-on-one meeting at Camp Aguinaldo tomorrow.

Aside from regional issues, the two defense chiefs will also tackle RP-US defense relations and ways to further improve security cooperation in the years ahead, according to the press statement released by the Department of National Defense’s Public Affairs Office yesterday.

The meeting is likewise aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Philippine and US forces to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response. 

 “This visit of Secretary Gates confirms the US government’s confidence in our defense leadership as well as our determined efforts in combating terrorism,” said Teodoro upon his arrival from Singapore where he attended the Shangri-La Dialogue, in which Gates was also a participant.

Teodoro added:“I also look forward to an enhanced critical collaboration between the Philippines and the United States particularly in the area of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response.”

US troops have been supporting and providing information to Filipino troops in counter-terrorism efforts in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao.

The two countries also conduct annual joint military exercises like the Balikatan to enhance inter-operability mainly against international terrorism.

The Philippines and the United States have a Mutual Defense Treaty dating back to the post-war years that says an attack on each other’s territory by a third-party would be subject to immediate retaliation by the other.

With the Philippine Senate’s rejection of the continuation of US military bases in the country in 1991, the two countries maintain defense and military links under the Visiting Forces Agreement.

The Philippines has also been the recipient of US military assistance since the 1950s to beef up its military capability.  

Gates, who is visiting the Philippines upon the invitation of Teodoro, served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1991 to 1993. - Jaime Laude