Phl defense chief, US Navy Secretary discuss security issues

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin met with visiting US Secretary of Navy Ray Mabus in Manila today, the Philippine military said.

The two sides discussed Philippine-US defense and military relations, security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, modernization efforts, and the US's commitment to provide humanitarian assistance in times of disasters and calamities, among others, the office for public affairs of Philippine Department of National Defense said in a statement.

The meeting was attended by US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. and US Department of Defense officials on the one hand, Philippine Undersecretary for Defense Affairs Honorio Azcueta, Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Batino, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista on the other hand.

Mabus arrived in Manila on Monday for a three-day visit to the Philippines where he will conduct official government meetings and visit with US personnel.

"As we rebalance to the Pacific, our alliance with the Philippines has never been more important than it is today," said Mabus.

"I look forward to exploring opportunities to work with the Philippine armed forces to build greater maritime capacity and increase security and stability in the region," he was quoted by a US Embassy statement.