ALLIES. Philippine Navy flag officer in command, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado (right), meets with US Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro during a courtesy call at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday (July 26, 2022). Del Toro and Bordado discussed matters on the continued bilateral cooperation and partnership between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)
MANILA – United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro underscored the importance of the sustainment of cooperation between Philippine and US naval forces.
Del Toro made this remark during a courtesy call to Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado, at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.
"Along with their staffs, both Navy leaders apprised each other on matters of mutual concern, the gains of various areas of collaborations between the two navies, as well as ways forward to sustain partnership, which benefits and promotes diplomacy, maritime security, and regional stability," PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement Wednesday.
Del Toro, an advocate of inclusiveness and respect, also emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving the freedom of navigation.
"Navy chief Bordado thanked the visiting Secretary for supporting the PN in terms of capability upgrade and bilateral trainings. He also reaffirmed his commitment to building upon this momentum toward achieving common goals and promoting shared interest," Negranza said.
Del Toro, the 78th US Secretary of the Navy, is in Manila for an official visit.
His visit to the PN headquarters highlighted the robust cooperation between the two naval forces that greatly contributes to the furtherance of the long-standing diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States. (PNA)
