Defense chief thanks US for supporting PH efforts vs. Covid-19

WELCOME. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) welcomes US Embassy Chargé d' Affaires Heather Variava to the Philippines during their meeting for the first time on Tuesday (Sept. 28, 2021). Lorenzana personally thanked Variava for the United States’ help to the country during this time of the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has expressed his appreciation to the United States government's support for the country's efforts in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Lorenzana personally thanked US Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava during their introductory meeting where he also officially welcomed the US official to the Philippines on September 28.

"The SND (Secretary of National Defense) expressed his appreciation for the US Government’s support to the Philippine Government’s efforts in addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, particularly in facilitating the continued delivery of vaccines in support to the Philippines’ national immunization program," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Tuesday night.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines-US alliance through the Mutual Defense Treaty.

"CDA Variava emphasized that both countries enjoy deep and long-standing bonds, with the alliance at the center of the US’ relationship with the Philippines," Andolong added.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on recent developments in the region and covered discussions on how to further enhance the cooperation between the Philippines and the US.

"They also discussed updates on upcoming bilateral defense activities, logistics cooperation, particularly on the capability upgrades of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the way ahead for the Philippines-US defense relations," Andolong said.

The meeting with Variava was Lorenzana's first official face-to-face engagement after completing his 14-day mandatory quarantine from his official travel to the US early this month. (PNA)