The US had addressed “with good faith” issues arising from the security relationship between the US and the Philippines, according to Locsin.
On Friday, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr handed over the diplomatic note recalling the termination of the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III after the United States had addressed “with good faith” issues arising from the security relationship between the US and the Philippines.
Locsin said in a statement that the United States had shown its commitment to fulfilling its obligations to the Philippines under the alliance.
“They have addressed issues arising from our security relationship with good faith. Together, we have moved forward on the basis of common interest, shared values and mutual respect,” Locsin said.
READ ALSO: President Duterte Orders Retraction Of VFA Termination — Lorenzana
The DFA chief further said that the alliance had stayed strong and “overcome challenges” since the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement was served to the US government via the US Embassy in Manila last February 2020.
Manila Bulletin reported that the recall of the VFA termination came at the heel of this year’s double celebration of the 70 years of Mutual Defense Treaty and 75th Philippines-US diplomatic relations.
“This is a special year for the Philippines-U.S. alliance. We celebrate not just 75 years of diplomatic relations, but also 70 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty, 70 years of the United States being our only defense treaty ally,” Locsin said.
Locsin’s statement came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that President Duterte ordered the retraction of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
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