DND chief meets US NSA to reaffirm PH-US alliance

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with newly appointed United States National Security Advisor Mike Waltz at the White House to reaffirm the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

The meeting took place two days after US President Donald Trump assumed office.

Teodoro met with Waltz under the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and in coordination with Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

The Philippines was among the first countries to engage with the new US administration to discuss critical security matters.

Teodoro emphasized the shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual security interests in the region, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral defense ties in addressing emerging geopolitical challenges.

Waltz expressed his appreciation of President Marcos' efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order.

Teodoro also met with Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers, and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy.