Philippine,
US Military Chiefs Say Ties Remain Robust
필리핀군과미군의고위급지휘관들이양자의군사관계는여전히튼실하다고밝히다.
미 측 해리 해리스 제독과 필리핀 측 리카르도 비사야 합참의장. (정말 행복해 보이는 군요.)
MANILA, Philippines — The chiefs of the
Philippine armed forces and the United States Pacific Command said Tuesday the
two countries' military ties remain robust, with both sides committed to their
alliance and cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism and
humanitarian aid.
The upbeat statement issued at the end of
a Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board meeting came after threats
by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to reduce military cooperation with
Washington and expand security ties with China and Russia.
Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., head of the U.S.
Pacific Command, co-chaired the meeting with Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, the
Philippine armed forces chief.
해리해리스제독은미태평양사령관으로서필리핀합참의장리카르도비사야와만남을가졌다.
Harris said last week in Washington that
there's been no change so far in U.S.-Philippine military cooperation but that
there could be a "re-scoping" of some big joint exercises in 2017.
The Philippines and the U.S. are
longstanding allies who signed a mutual defense treaty in 1951.
필리핀과미국은1951년이래오랜기간군사동맹을유지해오고있다.
"The successful completion of the
MDB-SEB ensures continued, robust relations between the U.S. and Philippine
militaries," the statement said. "This highlights the enduring
commitment of both countries to the U.S.-Philippine alliance."
It said they look forward to continued
cooperation in areas central to both countries' national and security
interests, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,
counterterrorism, cybersecurity and maritime security.
The Philippine defense department earlier
said it wants the number of drills reduced from the current 13 to about six or
seven and for training to be re-focused on humanitarian assistance, disaster
relief and counterterrorism. The department also wants to scrap two naval
exercises that include territorial defense training.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
presented the proposal to Duterte earlier this month. Officials said the
proposal was to be presented to the Americans during Tuesday's board meeting
for concurrence.
Padilla said the two sides discussed the
2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which seeks to establish U.S.
military facilities inside Philippine military camps for prepositioning of
troops and assets.
Duterte earlier said he wants a review of
the 2014 agreement, but Lorenzana later said the Duterte administration would
implement previous agreements with the Americans, including that pact.