US congressional delegation pays courtesy call on DND

A United States congressional delegation paid a courtesy call on the Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday to discuss strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement, the DND said the US delegation was led by Senator Pete Ricketts, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy; and Representative Ken Calvert, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee – Defense Subcommittee.

According to the DND, the meeting served as a platform for both sides to exchange views on enhancing interoperability through joint exercises and improving command-and-control integration.

“They also acknowledged the importance of addressing emerging domains, including cyber defense and maritime domain awareness,” the statement read. “Further discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in other key areas, including climate resilience, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response amidst climate change.”

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering US-Philippine defense ties and expanding collaboration to meet evolving regional and global challenges.

Earlier this month, the United States and the Philippines launched the Cope Thunder Exercise, a bilateral air force training activity. The drills will run from April 17 to 18 and will take place at Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga, as well as Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac. — DVM, GMA Integrated News