Washington, D.C., July 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon on Monday for a high-level meeting aimed at reinforcing defense and security cooperation between the two longtime allies.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the closed-door talks, Secretary Hegseth underscored the enduring strength of the bilateral alliance. “Our storied Alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today. Together, we remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said, referring to the 1951 agreement that forms the foundation of U.S.-Philippines security ties.
President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the significance of Secretary Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines in March, calling it an “important symbol” and a “very clear message” of the two nations’ enduring partnership. He reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty remains the “cornerstone” of bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of defense and security cooperation.
Later on Monday, President Marcos is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of his three-day official visit to Washington, D.C., which began on Sunday.
The visit aims to deepen economic and defense collaboration, including discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Key agenda items include negotiations on a prospective bilateral trade agreement and efforts to address the impending 20% tariff on Philippine exports to the United States, set to take effect on August 1.
The Philippines and the United States maintain robust economic and military relations, with their strategic partnership rooted in decades of cooperation and shared interests in regional stability and security.
