On July 6, 2023, Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III with the two officials reaffirming that the alliance between the Philippines and the US remains ironclad.

After congratulating Secretary Teodoro on his recent appointment as the Philippines’ defense chief, US Secretary Austin emphasized the US’ commitment to working with the Philippines in modernizing the alliance as close partners in the Indo-Pacific region. It was underscored that much progress has been made between the two defense establishments within a short period of time.

With the recent establishment of the Bilateral Defense Guidelines, Secretary Teodoro reaffirmed the DND’s commitment to sustaining dialogue platforms and bilateral mechanisms with the view of enhancing interoperability not only at the level of the armed forces but to include between the two Defense Departments.

Secretary Austin re-echoed previous statements of the US that the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) extends to public vessels to include aircraft and the coast guards anywhere in the South China Sea. Secretary Teodoro welcomed the US’ commitments and looked forward to working with US counterparts on ongoing bilateral initiatives as well as pursuing other areas of cooperation.

In particular, the two sides committed to work together on the proposed General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, joint patrols, and working with other regional partners, as well as other concrete initiatives. Secretary Teodoro welcomed more regular interactions with Secretary Austin not only through in-person engagements but also through other means.