Visit of US warship part of Philippines' goodwill, commitment with other nations —Lorenzana

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said the visit of US combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in the Philippines is part of the country’s commitment and goodwill with other nations.

“In keeping with the said commitment, we have always welcomed foreign ships and aircraft for routine visits and port calls,” he said in a statement.

USS Charleston (LCS 18) arrived in Manila on Monday.

The Command Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs said the visit shows strong alliance, military relationship, and renewed engagements between the Philippines and the United States.

Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Captain Jonathan Zata said the visit is part of the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) Exercise.

This is the first time a commissioned US Navy warship has visited the Philippines since 2019, according to the US naval unit.

On July 30, Lorenzana announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the retraction of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News