US Defense chief to meet with Duterte for 70th year of Mutual Defense Treaty

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will pay a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte on July 29 for the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, Malacañang said.

According to the Palace statement, Austin's visit to the President will also uphold the United States and Philippines' 75-year-old diplomatic ties.

"His visit to the Philippines highlights the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and United States and 70th Anniversary of signing of PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty," read the press statement.

The Mutual Defense Treaty  binds America to defend Philippines from aggression, including attacks in South China Sea. 

Also expected to attend at the courtesy call are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Chief Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje.

The American official is currently on his official visit to Southeast Asia that includes stops in Singapore, Vietnam and Manila, the Palace also said.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News