MANILA, Philippines — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to visit the Philippines next week with aims to promote security goals among the nation’s leadership.
He plans to have meetings with both Philippine and U.S. military personnel and troops as well.
As stated by the US Embassy in Manila.
On Saturday, the embassy issued a statement saying that Hegseth’s visit aims at establishing "an unprecedented level of collaboration with allied nations to boost regional security."
"He will visit the Philippines to enhance security goals alongside Philippine leaders and will also have meetings with both US and Philippine military personnel," it stated.
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As stated separately, the US Department of Defense mentioned that Hegseth’s journey encompassed visits to Hawaii, Guam, and Japan.
"These interactions will propel continuous initiatives to reinforce our alliances and collaborations towards achieving our collective objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific," the department stated.
The statement also noted that Hegseth’s initial trip to Hawaii involved meetings with "civilians and military officials from the US Indo-Pacific Command."
"Subsequently, Sec. Hegseth will head to Guam with plans to inspect the military installations and attend capability presentations. Following this visit, he is scheduled to go to the Philippines," the announcement stated.
"In Japan, Secretary Hegseth will take part in a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and will subsequently hold meetings with Japanese officials and U.S. military personnel," it stated.
"And as usual, the Secretary is looking forward to an excellent session of physical training with the soldiers!" it mentioned.
